Organised by Womenovate in partnership with Tech Revolution Africa, the summit brought together policymakers, technology leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, engineers, academics and innovators to explore this year’s theme, “Engineering Africa’s Future: Innovation, Infrastructure and Inclusive Technology.”

Delivering the goodwill message of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Cecilia Bolaji Dada, said the continued exclusion of women from science, technology and innovation creates significant economic consequences.

“Africa cannot fully realise its potential if half of its talent is left behind. Women constitute a significant portion of our population, yet they remain underrepresented in many areas of science, technology, engineering, and innovation. This is not merely a gender issue, it is an economic issue, a development issue, and a competitiveness issue.”

She noted that over the past five years, WITESA has helped create a growing network of female innovators, entrepreneurs, engineers and technology leaders contributing to Africa’s development through mentorship, skills development and professional advancement.

The commissioner said Lagos State remains committed to creating opportunities that allow innovation to thrive through investments in digital infrastructure, research, entrepreneurship and technology-enabled governance.

“Every time a talented young woman is unable to access quality education, mentorship, funding, or opportunities in the technology ecosystem, we all lose, we all lose ideas, we lose innovation, we lose solutions to some of our most pressing challenges, and that is why inclusion must remain at the centre of our development agenda.”

The summit’s focus on inclusion was reiterated at the event, particularly as stakeholders examined how technology can drive economic growth while being accessible to women, young people and underserved communities.

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, highlighted the need to close the digital divide across Nigeria.

“Today as we discuss engineering inclusive growth in the digital age. We must recognise that technology is shaping the future of nations, economies, and societies. However, for growth to be meaningful, it must be inclusive.”

He acknowledged Lagos State’s leadership in digital transformation but stressed that many communities still struggle with internet access, electricity, digital literacy and affordability of technology.

“Bridging this digital divide requires deliberate action from the government, the private sector, educational institutions, and society. We must invest in broadband infrastructure, digital education, skills development, and policies with technology accessible to women, youth, small businesses, and underserved communities.”

The deputy governor added that technology should become a tool for job creation, empowerment and improved quality of life across Nigeria.

Gautier Mignot, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, described investment in women in science, technology and engineering as one of the smartest decisions any society can make.

He commended Womenovate and its partners for building a platform that connects policymakers, investors, innovators, students and industry leaders around critical conversations on digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, fintech and engineering.

“These awards matter. They matter for at least three reasons, recognition, representation, and responsibility.”

According to the ambassador, visibility is crucial in inspiring more girls and young women to pursue careers in STEM fields.

“Celebrating success must go hand in hand with a commitment to change the systems that make that success so hard.”

He further urged governments, companies, universities and development partners to take concrete actions that make it easier for women to study, innovate, lead and build businesses within the technology ecosystem.

At the heart of the summit was a celebration of women already reshaping industries and breaking barriers.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Motunrayo Opayinka, CEO of Womenovate and Convener of WITESA 2026, said the platform was created to recognise the often-overlooked contributions of women across STEM disciplines.

“This year is to celebrate your contributions to the STEM sector. It’s not an easy fit. I always tell people, for a woman to attain what she’s attained, she’s worked twice harder than a male counterpart. So take your roses, you deserve it.”

She explained that the award process was based on public nominations, revealing the impact recipients have made within their respective sectors.

“It was a public nomination, so it speaks greatly to your contributions, and also to let you know that people know people are looking and your efforts are recognised.”

Providing an overview of the summit, Glory Olamigoke, Co-founder and Director of Tech Revolution Africa and Co-convener of WITESA 2026, highlighted the conference’s growing influence in advancing female leadership across technology and engineering.

The first day of the summit featured keynote sessions, fireside chats, startup showcases and conversations with leading women executives from across the digital economy.

Ten female-founded startups participated in a pitch competition, with the top three receiving a combined grant support of N500,000.

“Thirty, forty, fifty years back it wasn’t common to find women playing in the technology and engineering space, but that has changed now. Not only are women being represented, they are also taking the charge, they are leading, and they are causing radical growth and impact across the ecosystem,” Olamigoke said.

The WITESA 2026 awards ceremony recognised outstanding individuals whose work continues to enhance Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and inspire the next generation.

Among the recipients were Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who received the Public Sector Engineering Leader of the Year (Male) Award; Professor Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, who won the Research Excellence Award in STEM; Oluwatosin Olaseinde, Founder and CEO of Money Africa and Ladda, named Female Innovator of the Year; and Odunayo Eweniyi, Co-founder of PiggyVest, who received the FinTech Innovation Award.

Other awardees included Damilola Olokesusi, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Shuttlers; Confidence Staveley, Founder and Executive Director of Cybersafe Foundation; Kemisola Bolarinwa, Founder and CEO of Nextwear Technologies; Adora Nwodo, engineering leader and author; Dr Success Ojo, Co-founder and CEO of GMIND AI; Bisola Alabi, Founder of Heels & Tech; Oluwatobi Otokiti, Vice President of Product at Raenest and Founder of Productive; and Bukola Ajayi, Chief Information Officer at MTN Nigeria.

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Bosun, make the remark, virtually, on Thursday 14th November, 2024, at the grand finale of Lagos State Agrinnovation Summit which took place at Marcelina House, Ikeja.

The Minister noted that innovation is a fundamental aspect of sustainable development.

“When we talk about innovation and Technology, sometimes, many people think it is just another fancy set of tools that is now trending.

“However the reality about innovation and technology is that it is the part to sustainability and development”, he said.

The minister said that the agricultural sector ranks high to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and commended Mr. Babajide Sanwolu, the Lagos State Governor for always been at vanguard of innovations and Technology.

Agrinnovation, was the first of its kind, and bold step which organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, in conjunction with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), and the Eko Innovation Centre.

It was designed to foster meaningful conversations, collaboration, and groundbreaking innovations within the agricultural sector.

Some of the successful young startup agriprenuer who benefitted from the Lagos State government grant include; Farmcraft Foods limited, Rehoboth 910, Foodie world, Hommal foods, Ofadahub Nigeria limited,  Dharkag Empire limited, D-olivette Renewable Energy and Green Mall.

Others are; Dehydrator hub, Agricfood Technology limited, Corporate farmers international limited, Ultra Farms Integrated Ventures limited, Eti Farms Global limited, Hairat Ajao & Co (Fisherwoman, Happy Coffee, Ecotutu Limited, Ofadaboy Company, Leky Mills Limited.

Yellow fish limited, Ufarmy Ecoedu-Tech Solution Limited, Fauzziyah’s Honey Limited, Green Republic Limited, Price Pally Limited among others.

In his address, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor, represented by Mr. Tayo Ayinde, his Chief of Staff, stated that the state will not stop until she achieves food security and production serving as an example to other parts of the nation and Africa.

He also said that the gesture is a symbol of what the state can achieve when it trusts the youth to lead and supports them in doing so.

His words, “We gather here with the purpose to build sustainable agriculture and food system for the next generation and to ensure that Lagos not only sustains itself but leads Nigeria and Africa towards food security and agricultural excellence.

“As a government, we understand that agriculture development depends on more than just traditional practices. It requires us to embrace technology, foster collaboration and create sustainable practices that endure.

“I want to commend particularly the creation of the Lagos Agrinnovation Club. This club is not just an initiative,  it has become a community of young agriprenuers, a hub of creativity and a platform for those who dare to reimagine agriculture.

“This year’s Agrithon saw 316 business case entries from dynamic startups, championed by young people who are driven by their vision to transform agriculture and build sustainable solutions.

The 26 finalists we honour today have not only made it through a rigorous selection process but have also shown us that the future of food in Lagos is brought. With access to mentorship, network and share of the N100 million Agrinnovation Fund, these entrepreneurs will have the resources to take their enterprise’s solutions further”.

Accordingly, the young entrepreneurs will be monitored to ensure that they use the grant well. “To our Agrithon finalists I urge you to put this funding to excellent use, as you’ve demonstrated through your impressive and innovative ideas”, he added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Lagos State deputy governor, who also was at the event said Nigeria cannot afford to be a nation of complainer without taking necessary and corresponding action for a desire change.

He also charged the beneficiaries to make the best of the grant, whilst making the opportunities known in the society.

“We cannot afford to be a nation of complainer and that is why we are very happy that we see people like you who are ready to take the advantage and opportunity of the prevailing challenges to succeed.

“But I want you to also be an evangelist, make good money but I think it is important that you tell your colleagues and many young people out there that this opportunity exists.

“The Lagos State Government will support you and do everything possible to succeed. Just like the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture has said “that you have not waited for everybody, this is something you actually engage yourself in, this is what you want to do and so we must encourage you. But let others also know, because think about it, how is it possible that we are having the problem of food scarcity and it will interest you that we have been having this problem for a long time.

Earlier, in her welcome address, Abisola Olusanya, the commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Lagos state, expressed her appreciation to all in attendance and especially to the jurors who worked tirelessly in the selection process of the 26 finalists.

“We would like to thank everyone for being here, especially our jurors, who worked throughout the rigorous process on the Agrithon programme, helping us with the selection process from 316 business entries to 26.

“We are here to celebrate young entrepreneurs who have not waited for the government to give them opportunities but have looked within themselves and others for inspiration.

They have made themselves and their enterprises something to be proud of and we are proud to be associated with them.

“They have shown that agriculture is indeed a pathway towards being prosperous as a nation, they have shown passion and connectivity. We are proud to celebrate them, to encourage other people to come into the state.

Also speaking at event and charging  beneficiaries of the grants was Mr Victor Afolabi, the founder of Eko Innovation Centre, according to him, it was important that entrepreneurs understand that investments should be meant for businesses and not for personal upliftment.

His words;

“It’s very important for founders to understand that you are not a celebrity, when you raise funds use it for the business that it was meant for.”

Afolabi, a serial entrepreneur, noted that it was necessary for young founders to embody discipline when it came to work, adding that this was contributing to the demise of many young start-ups in the country.

Corroborating his thoughts, Aisha Raheem, the co-founder and chief executive officer of Farmz2u, noted the importance of plan and vision.

According to her, many startups lose this vision when they become profitable at the first instance.

This was also echoed by Jummai Abalaka, founder and chief operating officer (COO) who noted that it was necessary to have a positive attitude towards work.

She said that this works hand in hand to ensure the success of enterprises in the country. They pressed on the matter of separating work from personal wants.

Also speaking at the event, was Prince SJ Samuel, the chairman of Origin Tech Group who noted that innovation was facing a lot of challenges in the Nigerian landscape.

He pointed out that the average farmer earns about two thousand dollars and takes home about 40%, with more than half of the earnings going into logistics and other expenses.

He also noted that inflation is very high in the Nigerian economy and food inflation makes up about 38% of that which serves as a major concern in the country.

The entrepreneur stated that the agricultural space contributes about 37% to the country’s GDP, although he applauded the current administration for its investment in the agricultural sector compared to the predecessors.

While giving his charge, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, the special adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, urged the Agrithon finalists to make good use of the opportunities provided by the state.

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