Umar Idris, an entrepreneur and chairman of the 21st Century Entrepreneurship Hub, has revealed ambitious plans to create a Silicon Valley-like environment in Sokoto State, with the aim of fostering business growth and entrepreneurship in the region.
Established in 2017, the 21st Century Entrepreneurship Hub has become a pioneering hub and co-working space, playing a crucial role in nurturing entrepreneurship in northern Nigeria. The space offers extensive support to entrepreneurs, including training, mentoring, networking, exhibition, and funding opportunities.
With over 10,000 registered members, the hub has extended its presence to several northern states, including Kaduna, Kebbi, Katsina, Nasarawa, Kano, Niger, and Zamfara, alongside a co-working space in Sokoto for streamlined coordination.
The impact of the hub’s activities has been substantial, benefiting 2,000 entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and business solution programs. These entrepreneurs have gone on to create over 5,000 jobs, positively impacting the lives of more than two million people in the region, particularly in critical sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and energy.
In addition, the company organizes annual business exhibitions, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services while fostering business connections among participating states.
Umar Idris emphasized the importance of embracing innovative enterprise for robust economic growth, calling on indigenous enterprises to champion the export of Made-in-Nigeria products. He also urged for proactive measures to streamline business registration processes in the country.
