Here’s a rewritten version of the story: — **NBTI Partners with Patents and Designs Registry to Establish Technology Innovation Support Centre** By Remi Adebayo The National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering technological innovation and protecting intellectual property rights in Nigeria through a new collaboration with the Patents and Designs Registry, under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. This partnership was highlighted during a courtesy visit by the Director and Head of the Patents and Designs Registry, Mrs. Jane Igwe, and her team to the Director General of NBTI, Dr. Kazeem Raji, at the NBTI headquarters in Abuja. According to a statement from NBTI’s Assistant Director, Head of Public Relations, Reuben Shagu, the visit marks a significant step in solidifying the relationship between the two institutions and working towards the establishment of a Technology Innovation Support Centre (TISC) at NBTI. During the visit, Mrs. Igwe stressed the vital role of the Patents and Designs Registry in safeguarding the intellectual property of Nigerian inventors and innovators, especially grassroots entrepreneurs. She highlighted the importance of TISC—an initiative from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)—which provides inventors with access to technological information, existing patents, and expired patents that can serve as a foundation for new innovations. Igwe further noted that such centres have been instrumental in driving technological advancements and have been established in research institutes. In his response, Dr. Kazeem Raji, Director General and CEO of NBTI, expressed enthusiasm about the establishment of TISC at NBTI. He reiterated that NBTI is not just a hub for technology but also a home for technology-driven entrepreneurship, nurturing innovators from idea conception to commercialization. Dr. Raji also commended President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership and economic policies, including Nigeria’s partnership with the BRICS bloc, which he believes will position the country as a key player in manufacturing, technology, and industrial growth. “The goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy and boosting Nigeria’s GDP through entrepreneurship and industrial growth requires a collective effort from all stakeholders,” Dr. Raji stated. “Nigerians are highly intelligent and resourceful, and the materials needed to grow our economy are readily available. The narrative must change, and we, as a nation, must take responsibility for our development. Prosperity lies in entrepreneurial skills, technological innovation, and industrial growth.” Dr. Raji also stressed the need for robust advocacy and stakeholder engagement to educate Nigerians about the importance of patenting their inventions and innovations. Protecting intellectual property, he emphasized, will prevent exploitation and foster economic prosperity. He assured that NBTI remains committed to empowering startups and innovators by providing the necessary support in branding, patenting, packaging, and quality enhancement of their products. “This collaboration between NBTI and the Patents and Designs Registry marks a new era in promoting technological innovation, protecting intellectual property, and driving economic growth in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu,” Dr. Raji concluded. — Let me know if you’d like any further changes!