30/04/2026
We are proud to announce that Goni Nexus Enterprises Limited has been selected to represent Yobe State as an Innovation Hub under the iHatch Cohort 5.0 Programme 🇳🇬🚀
As part of this journey, our Founder/MD Muhammad Musbahu Goni was in Abuja for the iHatch Residency, arriving on the 19th, with intensive sessions running from the 20th to 24th, and departure on the 25th. The residency was a powerful, hands-on experience designed to strengthen our capacity to support and scale startups within our ecosystem.
Here’s a deeper and more engaging insight into the experience:
Day 1: Building Identity & Structure
We explored Developing Brand, Positioning, and Storytelling:
- Brand – Defining a strong identity that reflects credibility, vision, and purpose
- Positioning – Clearly identifying where we stand in the ecosystem and how we differentiate
- Storytelling – Communicating impact in a way that attracts partners, funders, and community trust
We also covered Programme Management and Implementation:
- Designing structured, result-driven incubation programs
- Managing stakeholders, timelines, and delivery effectively
- Ensuring sustainability and measurable impact
Day 2: Designing for Impact
We dived into Design Thinking as a Technical Framework:
- Human-centered innovation — solving real problems, not assumed ones
- Rapid prototyping, testing, and iteration
- Building solutions that are practical, usable, and scalable
Followed by:
Designing Startup Support Systems
- Creating tailored pathways for startup growth (mentorship, funding, training)
- Aligning support with different startup stages
Sourcing & Selecting High-Potential Startups
- Identifying startups with strong value propositions and scalability
- Using structured evaluation frameworks for fair and impactful selection
Day 3: Collaboration & Sustainability
We explored Engaging Government, Academia, and Industry (Triple Helix Model):
- Building synergy between policy, research, and market
- Unlocking opportunities through strategic collaboration
We also had an insightful session on Fundraising and Resource Mobilisation delivered by Mr. Timi, CEO of Ilorin Innovation Hub:
- Practical approaches to attracting funding and partnerships
- Positioning hubs for long-term sustainability and growth
Day 4: Ecosystem, Policy & People
We focused on Community Building and Ecosystem Activation:
- Creating vibrant, inclusive innovation communities
- Driving engagement through programs, events, and collaboration
We also explored the Nigeria Startup Act, with insights from the National Coordinator, Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation, Mrs. Victoria:
- Understanding policies shaping Nigeria’s startup ecosystem
- Leveraging government-backed opportunities for growth
Other key sessions included:
- Managing People and Talent in a Hub — building effective teams and leadership structures
- Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning (MERL) — using data to track impact and improve
- Architecting Your Hub’s Theory of Change — linking vision, activities, and measurable outcomes
Grand Finale: Connection, Reflection & Inspiration
The final day was both impactful and memorable. We had a special engagement session with the Director General of NITDA Nigeria, ably represented by Dr. Amina Magaji, where key insights on the future of Nigeria’s digital innovation ecosystem were shared.
To crown the experience, we were hosted to a warm and generous open buffet fully sponsored by the National Coordinator herself — a moment that reflected not just hospitality, but the spirit of community, collaboration, and shared vision that defines iHatch.
With this wealth of knowledge, we are fully prepared and excited to begin training and supporting startups across Yobe State in the coming days.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to ONDINigeria and the entire team for the exceptional hospitality, knowledge, and resources provided. These investments will be put to great use in strengthening the innovation ecosystem in Yobe State and beyond.
The journey has just begun and the future is not just promising, it is being built.