BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, MAY 01, 2025 | 02:41 PM
Hundreds of young innovators, creatives, and changemakers from across Nigeria's NorthEast region converged in Maiduguri for the NorthEast Creativity and Innovation Summit 2025.
A dynamic two-day event focused on reimagining the future of the region through home-grown ideas and ingenuity.
Held in commemoration of World Creativity and Innovation Week, the summit, hosted by Co-Development Hub, served as a powerful platform to 'activate' creativity and foster a new narrative of progress and resilience.
'We're not just talking about creativity—we're activating it,' declared Muhammad Bukar Umara, founder of Co-Development Hub, setting the tone for the ambitious gathering.
The summit adopted a unique 'city-wide learning ecosystem' on its first day, with a Business Innovation Pitch Competition kicking things off at Co-Dev Hub.
Participants then dispersed across six partner innovation centers – Splash Innovation Hub, Innotech, Rhino Innovation Lab, Bitako Technology, Development Hub, and Visual Voyage – as well as virtual spaces, for a series of eight targeted workshops and masterclasses.
These sessions addressed crucial aspects of the modern economy, including Artificial Intelligence for productivity, remote work opportunities, digital storytelling, and emerging trends in the creative industries.
The organizers emphasized the intentional decentralization, aiming to make the entire city feel intrinsically connected to the summit's spirit of innovation.
Day two saw the energy culminate at the Muhammadu Indimi Hall, University of Maiduguri, for strategic and high-level discussions.
Keynote speakers underscored the region's historical legacy of innovation and the urgent need to harness the potential of its youth.
Prof. Mohammed Dauda, Director of the Abdulsamad Rabiu Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, reminded attendees of the 'innovative society' of the Kanem-Bornu Empire, urging the younger generation to tap into this heritage.
Mrs. Fatima Yerima Askira, Founder of BOWDI, passionately called on young people, particularly women, to actively drive the transformation of the NorthEast.
The summit also garnered international recognition, with Mr. Muyiwa Fasakin, a global creative intelligence expert, hailing the Maiduguri event as 'the largest celebration of creativity and innovation on the continent in over three years.'
He lauded the convergence of grassroots passion and institutional support as a global model.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri pledged the institution's ongoing support for such initiatives.
A significant moment came with a speech delivered on behalf of the Vice President of Nigeria, reaffirming the federal government's commitment to youth-led innovation and highlighting the alignment with national programs like iDICE and 3MTT.
'The Vice President is deeply encouraged by how this summit focuses on practical innovation,'stated his representative.
A panel discussion featuring top government innovators – Dr. Mohammed Goje (YOSEMA), Engr. Adam Bukar Bababe (BOGIS), and Dr. Saleh Abba (Borno Contributory Healthcare Management Agency) – showcased the practical application of technology and data in critical sectors like disaster management, urban development, and healthcare, demonstrating the potential for public sector transformation through innovation.
Throughout the summit, a vibrant showcase featured the products, prototypes, and performances of local startups, artists, and makers, culminating in Innovation Awards.
Impressed judges noted the tangible progress and execution, stating, 'What we've seen here isn't potential—it's performance. These young people are already building the future we keep talking about.'
As the summit concluded, a powerful sense of optimism and action permeated the atmosphere.
Muhammad Bukar Umara reiterated the proactive spirit of the region, stating, 'We are not waiting for opportunity to arrive. We are building it. Here. Now. With our own hands and our own stories.'
The NorthEast Creativity and Innovation Summit 2025 in Maiduguri has sent a clear signal: the region is not just envisioning a brighter future, it is actively stepping out and innovating to create it.