By Okwy lroegbu-Chikezie
The Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) has partnered with Versecom Limited and IHS Nigeria to set up a multipurpose energy and environment hub to tackle the problem of access to office spaces by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as freelancers in Lagos State.
Speaking during the launch of the Hub at Rafiu Jafojo Park Egbeda, the General Manager of LASPARK, Mrs. Adetoun Popoola, congratulated Versecom Limited and IHS Nigeria for successfully completing the project in spite of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on businesses across the world.
Popoola emphasized that the decision to approve the use of the space and partner with Versecom Limited was an easy one as their passion to use technology to create socially impactful products and business solutions to promote innovation is evident.
The General Manager stated that the partnership is in line with LASPARK’s mandate to promote recreation and social development and is a testament to Governor Babajide Sanwoolu’s commitment to a Greater Lagos adding that the agency is open to exploring private sector-driven investments and partnerships to accelerate economic growth which will benefit residents of the state.
Speaking further, Popoola acknowledged the support and guidance from the community leaders while expressing her sincere optimism that the community will make good use of the space for both recreational and technology-related activities.
The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) Mrs Tejumola Abisoye expressed her full support and endorsement of the project, encouraging entrepreneurs to take advantage of the various initiatives and platforms put together by the Agency to support early-stage startup business persons adding that LSETF provides intensive incubation and digital mentorship required to help them refine their ideas.
The Chief Corporate Services Officer of IHS Nigeria, Mr. Dapo Otunla expressed his organization’s continued commitment to work with communities and relevant stakeholders to address pressing environmental issues saying that IHS supported the development of the energy and environment hub which is in tandem with one of their sustainability pillars.
Mr. Timilehin Odusina a co-founder of Versecom Limited made it known that the users of the 700-capacity hub will have access to high-speed internet, constant electricity, tech-focused programs, capacity building and community events tailored specifically towards energy and environment startups adding that a laboratory is available within the hub to accommodate researchers in a bid to remove the barriers inhibiting innovation within the tech space.
While declaring the Hub open, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Technology Mr. Tubosun Alake, expressed joy while challenging young people within the energy and environment sector to come up with viable solutions to real problems.
He urged tech. entrepreneurs in the state to take advantage of critical resources and funding made available by the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) by presenting fund-ready and scalable innovations with the capacity to deliver intrinsic economic and civic value to the State.
Versecom is an enterprise technology company which specializes in building sustainable IT and Power solutions for Africa. It received full funding support from IHS Nigeria (the largest subsidiary of IHS Towers) to develop the Hub by transforming a previously existing outdoor basketball court at the Rafiu Jafojo Park, Egbeda, managed by the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) into a multi-use work space, research laboratory, indoor basketball court and event venue.
The hub which is the first of its kind in Lagos is open to everyone from start-ups to freelancers and people looking to work remotely.
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