The Sokoto State Government (SOSG), through the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy (MIDE), sponsored a delegation of qualified techpreneurs to Tokyo, Japan, as part of the state’s commitment to advancing digital transformation and innovation.
Leading the delegation was Deputy Governor Engr. Idris Muhammad Gobir, alongside the Honourable Commissioner for Innovation and Digital Economy, Hon. Bashar Umar Kwabo. Together with Sokoto’s techpreneurs. A state indigenous establishment, which has been part of facilitators of the conference, the Caliphate Startup Technology Foundation, under the leadership of its President, Mustapha Bello and were also part of the delegation.
The team participated in the 2nd Tokyo International Conference on AI New Technologies (ACAITD 2025) and ORGATEC Tokyo 2025, one of Asia-Pacific’s leading trade fairs for modern workspaces and digital infrastructure.
The mission aimed to expose local entrepreneurs to global innovation practices, foster international partnerships and collaboration, enhance capacity building for Sokoto’s digital economy, and transfer knowledge and best practices for technological development.
This initiative demonstrates Governor Ahmad Aliyu administration’s commitment to human capital development and its strategy to equip Sokoto’s youth with international expertise in emerging technologies. The delegation’s participation highlights Sokoto State’s progressive approach to embracing digital innovation as a driver of economic growth and development.
In their responses, the participants appreciated Governor Aliyu’s commitments towards youths’ development in general. In Tokyo, “I met many experts from around the world, and I learned a lot from them. We are now in touch with a telemedicine company based in Tokyo, and we are discussing collaborations”, says, Hassan Tela, Founder/CEO, Clodocs Ltd.
Similarly, “was a wonderful and life changing experience. I presented my project the assistive glasses for the blind and received great feedback from many experts. One of the best moments was meeting Engineer Daniel from the United States. We exchanged business cards, and he gave me valuable advice”, says Aliyu Hassan S-Fulani.
Furthermore, Naziru Malami, the CEO of NBLC Tech and founder of S Assistant, says, “I was thrilled to showcase our innovative AI solution, S Assistance – a device that detects moving objects and responds with voice commands based on selected modes.
The conference provided a great platform to share our product’s capabilities and explore potential collaborations.
I’m grateful to the Sokoto State Governor Dr Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto for this opportunity”
The delegation had since returned back to Nigeria with enthusiasm and commitment to implement the projects to the fullest for the betterment of Sokoto State, Nigetia and the international community.
Muhammad Abubakar
11 June 2025
