FIC REPORT (KADUNA STATE) – The Kaduna State has emerged among the top 15 states recognised at the 2026 NASENI InnovateNaija Innovation Challenge, with the state’s representative, Abdulrahaman Bin Umar, an English Language undergraduate from Anchau, receiving a N2.5 million prize for his innovative SmartFarm solution.
Bin Umar was among the 15 state champions selected from more than 1,300 competitors drawn from across the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory for developing technology-driven solutions to local challenges.
His SmartFarm innovation, a drone technology capable of spraying up to 11 hectares of farmland in one hour, is designed to provide affordable, efficient and technology-based agricultural support to smallholder farmers, particularly in rural communities.
In recognition of the achievement and as part of his administration’s commitment to supporting innovation and youth development, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, matched the N2.5 million prize awarded by NASENI, thereby increasing Bin Umar’s total startup grant to N5 million.
The awards ceremony was held on Tuesday at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, represented Governor Uba Sani.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Deputy Governor congratulated the winners and commended the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for creating a platform that identifies and nurtures innovative talents across Nigeria.
She described the InnovateNaija initiative as “a renaissance of Nigerian ingenuity,” stressing that the wealth and competitiveness of modern nations are increasingly measured not only by their natural resources but also by the creativity, knowledge and innovative capacity of their people.
According to Dr Balarabe, the InnovateNaija programme has established an important pipeline for national prosperity by identifying, refining and accelerating innovative ideas from across the country.
She noted that the initiative was helping to bridge the gap between raw talent and the resources, mentorship and opportunities required for young Nigerians to develop their ideas into viable enterprises capable of competing in the global market.
The Deputy Governor reaffirmed Kaduna State Government’s commitment to digital inclusion, innovation, youth empowerment and technology-driven rural transformation, stressing that innovation remains critical to addressing local challenges and improving the livelihoods of citizens.
She also called on investors and private-sector organisations to support the young innovators, describing them not merely as emerging startups but as potential pillars of Nigeria’s future knowledge and innovation-driven economy.
The 2026 NASENI InnovateNaija Awards featured winners across four major categories: Future Makers, NASENI Inter-Agency Innovation Award, NASENI Intra-Agency Award and InnovateNaija.
A total of N250 million was presented to winners across the various categories. Adaeze Ruth Akpagbula of Abia State emerged as the overall winner of the InnovateNaija category, receiving N100 million for her Smart Poultry innovation. Ondo State’s Oluwatoyin Ogundeji and Katsina State’s Aminu Saleh Jino received N30 million and N20 million, respectively.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the ceremony, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Ude (SAN), emphasised the importance of Nigerian ingenuity to the country’s prosperity.
He noted that science, technology and innovation remained critical to the successful implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing the need to continue creating opportunities for Nigerian innovators to develop solutions that address the country’s developmental challenges.
The recognition of Kaduna State’s Abdulrahaman Bin Umar at the national innovation awards underscores the growing potential of young people in the state and further demonstrates the commitment of the Senator Uba Sani administration to creating an enabling environment for innovation, entrepreneurship, digital development and youth empowerment.
Signed:
Muhammad Gwani
AD FIRC KADUNA
7th October,2026.
