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Africa

UNICORN Solving Africa’s Problems Through Innovation and

Entrepreneurship

On June first, 2021, His Excellency Chief Timipre as it showcased what he fervently believes “ the
Sylva, who serves as State Nigerian Minister of real resource of Africa is its human resource”.
Petroleum Resources of Nigeria, was invited to According to the minister, the development of
the opening of the Unicorn Tech Campus in La- the human resources is the most sustainable
gos, an initiative he helps develop. Babajide and, with a plethora of innovators and aspiring
Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos was represen- entrepreneurs in Nigeria, human capital is abun-
ted by his wife the first lady of Lagos, Dr. IIbijoke dant. Chief Timipre Sylva stated that this focus
Sanwo-Olu. Other important players in the aca- on the human factor is the right and necessary
demic arena, as well as business world were also direction to take, adding that the focus should be
present for this historic grand opening. The ec- geared towards finding solutions to any obstacles
lectic event was considered a rare opportunity for that may arise.
government officials, professors, doctors and en- Ultimately, this approach is the key to success
gineers to mingle and exchange personal experi- and exactly what the Unicorn Group is committed
ences and ideas regarding their specific areas of to. Simbi Wabote ES NCDMB, showed the link to
expertise, as well as discuss the crucial role each be made with ongoing programs initiated by
of them should play in nurturing African busi- Chief Timipre Sylva and the Unicorn Group. The
ness men and women. The event also attracted vision of Mr.Sylva is not only based on petroleum
prominent business owners and startup entre- products, but also explores other sources of ener-
preneurs in the tech industry. With the realiza- gy, including renewable and sustainable resour-
tion of the Unicorn Tech Campus project, Sylva ces, and how this vision is beneficial to every Ni-
expressed his elation with the resulting program gerian. Since its inception about fifteen years

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