The Continental Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Africa, Prof. Jude Osakwe, has urged the Federal Government to strengthen support for startups to accelerate innovation, entrepreneurship and the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
Osakwe made the call on Friday in Abuja during the launch of i-SABI, an all-in-one digital lifestyle and commerce application developed by Ayaweisoft Limited.
He said young innovators require institutional support to transform their ideas into sustainable businesses capable of creating jobs and driving economic development.
“When startups like this emerge, they need guidance and support from the government. There are many avenues through which government can provide assistance,” he said.
According to him, key government institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and the Bank of Industry, should create mechanisms to support innovative technology startups.
Osakwe, who chaired the event, said he identified with the project because of its potential to transform digital transactions in Nigeria.
“I see a team of dedicated young Nigerians determined to change the way technology is applied in business. When the application was introduced to me, I immediately saw its potential to transform the way transactions are conducted within and outside Nigeria,” he said.
He described i-SABI as an innovative platform with significant growth prospects and disclosed that, beyond seeking government support, the company is also courting private investors to expand its operations.
“We are not relying solely on government support. We are also looking for investors who believe in this innovative idea that has come to stay,” he added.
Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of Ayaweisoft Limited and lead developer of the application, Promise Ayawei, described i-SABI as a “super app” that integrates multiple digital services into a single platform.
According to him, the application enables users to send money, pay bills, purchase airtime, order ride-hailing services, conduct research, access entertainment content and perform several other digital transactions without switching between different applications.
“We are here to stay. We are not just another fintech application or social networking platform. We are a super application that combines these services seamlessly,” Ayawei said.
He noted that the platform’s initial target audience is young people and students, citing the growing adoption of digital technology among Nigerian youths.
“You cannot capture the entire market at once. You create a niche and grow from there. Our current focus is on young people and students because technology adoption is increasing rapidly among them,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Community, Southern African Development Community (SADC) Union, Kenneth Ihemekwele, commended the innovation behind the application and encouraged the developers to remain focused despite competition in the technology sector.
“It will not be easy because the industry is highly competitive, but I believe they will succeed. Nigeria is large enough for innovative companies to thrive,” he said.
Ihemekwele also appealed to the government to support indigenous technology firms to enable them compete globally.
He further encouraged young Nigerians with entrepreneurial ambitions not to abandon their dreams despite challenges, stressing that persistence remains a key ingredient for success.
The i-SABI platform is positioned as a comprehensive digital ecosystem designed to simplify everyday transactions while promoting financial inclusion and digital convenience for users across Nigeria.
For further details, log into: info@ayaweisoft.com, Info@i-sbi.com.ng or call 08060398968.
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