Hope Rises For Startup Businesses As House Committee Intensifies Sensitization

By Asuquo Edem

In his avowed commitment to ensure that Startups most especially Tech-driven businesses in Akwa Ibom State have access to needed funds to explore, the Chairman, House Committee on Science and Technology in the Akwa Ibom State house of Assembly, Hon. Uduak Ekpoufot has continue to engage with stakeholders to get the needed inputs to frame up the Bill.

The Bill which is titled A BILL TO ESTABLISH THE STATE COUNCIL FOR DIGITAL INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP, PROVIDE FOR THE CREATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR TECHNOLOGY-ENABLED STARTUPS IN AKWA IBOM STATE AND FOR RELATED MATTERS has passed through first and second reading in the House of Assembly including a Public Hering..

In an event held yesterday Tuesday at the conference hall of Merzino Palace, Hon Ekpoufot emphasized the need to continue to interface with stakeholders, policy makers, startup CEO's noting that the Bill seeks to provide a legal and institutional framework for the development of start-ups in Akwa Ibom State which when passed and subsequently accented to by the State Governor Pastor Umo Eno will provide an enabling environment for the establishment, development, and operation of start-ups in the state, positioning Akwa Ibom as a leading digital technology center in Nigeria.

Hon. Ekpoufot who represents Etinan State Constituency stated that the Bill will provide a solid foundation for our start-ups to thrive and compete globally thereby creating an enabling environment that will foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the state addng that Upon domestication, Akwa Ibom State startups will be eligible to receive an annual sum of not less than N10,000,000 from approved sources.

Also making remarks, the National Coordinator Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation, Mrs. Victoria Fabunmi, while commending the State House of Assembly over moves to ensure that the Bill is domesticated ahead of many States in the country, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts amongst stakeholders to drive stability and boost productivity in the state's innovation ecosystem. "We need to work together to create a vibrant start-up ecosystem in Akwa Ibom State," she said.

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