The SAIL Innovation Lab facility in Ikorodu, Lagos State has been officially launched by the Board of Trustees, SAIL Foundation.
The initiative, led by Senator Tokunbo Abiru and his wife, Mrs. Feyisola Abiru, aims to provide in-demand tech skills to motivated youths in the senatorial district.
During his keynote address, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude to the Abiru family for continuing the legacy of their late patriarch, Senator (Honourable Justice) Mubasheer Akanbi Abiru.
He also commended the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in scaling up the impact of initiatives like the SAIL Innovation Lab.
The Governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to ensuring that Lagos State remains at the forefront of the tech space in Nigeria and the continent.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Co-founder of Co-Creation Hub and a Trustee of SAIL Foundation, expressed confidence in the lab’s success and emphasized the importance of engaging and empowering young people to drive innovation and growth.
Microsoft Country Manager, Ms. Ola Williams, expressed admiration for Senator Abiru’s dedication to young people and affirmed Microsoft’s willingness to collaborate with SAIL for greater impact.
The SAIL Innovation Lab, established in 2021 in partnership with Co-Creation Hub, has already benefited over 490 participants through in-person programs and over 2,000 participants through online programs. The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and is managed entirely by Co-Creation Hub and highly-trained facilitators.
Mrs. Feyisola Abiru, Co-founder of the innovation lab, highlighted its uniqueness as the first of its kind in the Lagos East Senatorial District and encouraged attendees to appreciate the historical significance of their involvement.
The current programs offered by the SAIL Innovation Lab include the Tech Talent Development Program, STEM for Senior Secondary School Students, Lagos East Teachers Fellowship, Start-Up Accelerator, and Community Events and Ecosystem Engagements.
Senator Abiru spoke about the vision behind the SAIL Innovation Lab, stating that the project aimed to provide a platform for the ingenious youth in the district and deepen the acceptance of tech innovation using a human-centered approach.
He emphasized the importance of tech skills in the modern world and the need to equip young people with the new language of the world.
The permanent location of the SAIL Innovation Lab was made possible through the support of the Abiru family, who dedicated their family home for this purpose, continuing the legacy of their late patriarch, Senator (Honourable Justice) Mubasheeru Akanbi Abiru, a distinguished jurist
