The Edo State Government has pledged to facilitate access to federal grants for innovators, artisans and craftsmen with outstanding and impactful solutions capable of addressing national challenges.
The government said qualified applicants would be guided through the Presidential Standing Committee on Innovation and Invention and the Startup Act online application processes after due assessment of their innovations.
The Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Etiosa Ogbewi, made this known during the Annual General Meeting of the Artisans Development and Networking Organisation, ARDENET ORG, held in the state.
Ogbewi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Engr. Jonathan Idubor, disclosed that beneficiaries could access grants of over one million naira, depending on the quality, relevance and impact of their projects.
He said the ministry would serve as a link between qualified innovators in Edo State and relevant federal government funding windows, assuring that innovators would receive the needed institutional support to access such opportunities.
The commissioner reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to partnering organisations whose activities align with creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship, describing ARDENET ORG as a strategic partner in youth development.
“This programme is about Edo youths. It is geared towards job creation, coordination of artisans’ activities, and the development of a comprehensive database of artisans, which will further drive socio-economic development in the State,” he said.
Earlier, the President of ARDENET, Engr. Ugiagbe Osamuyime, commended the Edo State Government and the Ministry of Science and Technology for their support.
Osamuyime said the partnership would boost innovation, skills development and employment opportunities across the state.
He added that the organisation was poised to provide artisans with the needed support to attract opportunities, sustain business growth and advocate for their rights.
The AGM brought together artisans, craftsmen and innovators from across Edo State statewide.
