By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
IHS Nigeria, part of IHS Holding Limited (NYSE: IHS), also known as IHS Towers, has partnered with the Ilorin Innovation Hub to host the maiden edition of its Demo Day at the facility in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The event, themed “The Convergence,” spotlighted 19 emerging startups that participated in the Hub’s accelerator and incubation programmes, providing them an opportunity to pitch their solutions to investors, venture capital firms, corporate partners, and the media.
The Ilorin Innovation Hub, a collaboration between the Kwara State Government and IHS Nigeria, commenced operations in February 2025, with programmes managed by Co-creation Hub and Future Africa.
The Demo Day served as a platform to assess the Hub’s impact in nurturing innovative ideas and solutions aimed at supporting economic resilience and addressing real-world challenges.
It is also expected to unlock funding opportunities, foster strategic partnerships, and boost visibility for startups operating across sectors such as agriculture, health technology, green energy, lifestyle, and digital services.
Beyond the startup showcase, the event highlighted Kwara State’s commitment to promoting digital innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as IHS Nigeria’s efforts to bridge the digital divide and strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy.
Chief Executive Officer of IHS Nigeria, Mohamad Darwish, said innovation and digital technology remain critical drivers of economic growth and sustainable development.
“We believe innovation and digital technology are powerful drivers of economic growth and sustainable development. This is why we partnered with the Kwara State Government on the Ilorin Innovation Hub. It is impressive to see the diverse portfolio of ideas and solutions showcased within a year of operations. This reflects the depth of creativity among Nigerians and what is possible when they are properly supported,” he said.
Also speaking, Managing Director of Ilorin Innovation Hub, Temi Kolawole, said the showcased startups demonstrate the impact of combining talent with the right support systems.
“The Ilorin Innovation Hub exists to ensure that geography is never a barrier to building something extraordinary, and this Demo Day is proof that we are on the right track,” she said.
The event marks a significant step in advancing innovation-driven entrepreneurship and strengthening Nigeria’s growing startup ecosystem.
L-R Vice President, Group Audit and Risk, IHS Nigeria, Temitope Yusuff; Chief Commercial Officer, IHS Nigeria, Akeem Adeshina; Honourable Commissioner, Business, Innovation, and Technology, Kwara State Ministry, Damilola Yetunde Yusuf-Adelodun; Managing Director, Ilorin Innovation Hub, Temi Kolawole; Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, IHS Nigeria, Kazeem Oladepo; Honourable Commissioner, Communications, Kwara State Ministry, Bola Olukoju; Honourable Commissioner, Health, Kwara State Ministry, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam; at IHS Nigeria’s maiden Demo Day on Friday, 17th of April, 2026, at the Ilorin Innovation Hub, Kwara State, Nigeria.
