Hanson Johnson, the CEO of Start Innovation Hub, has been a driving force in advancing digital empowerment in the Niger Delta. As a native of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, his partnership with PIND Foundation has significantly shaped the impact and reach of his organization.
Hanson’s journey with PIND began in 2017 during an impact assessment and research session in Port Harcourt, where PIND engaged with regional stakeholders to explore solutions for local challenges. Soon after, Hanson saw an online call for applications for the Niger Delta Youth Employment Pathways (NDYEP) program and applied.
“Since our initial contact with PIND, the relationship has been incredibly beneficial,” Hanson explains. “It has not only strengthened our organization but has also aligned us with PIND’s broader vision of driving sustainable development in the Niger Delta.”
Based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Start Innovation Hub is a leading technology hub that develops innovative software products for both local and international clients. The hub is also dedicated to training young people in critical digital skills such as app development, digital literacy, and remote job opportunities. Additionally, it offers mentorship for startups, helping them navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and employment in the digital space.
Despite initial challenges in engaging youth, Start Innovation Hub has made remarkable strides since partnering with PIND in 2018. With PIND’s first grant, the hub was able to train 2,500 youths through both the Youth Employment Pathways (YEP) program and its own initiatives. Moreover, with additional support from the World Bank, another 500 youths were trained, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 3,000.
Building on this success, Hanson and his team recently achieved another significant milestone: partnering to train People with Disabilities (PWDs) in their School of Special Needs for free using the grant from PIND. This initiative marks the first time the hub will train PWDs in market-relevant digital skills.
“This is a significant step for us,” Hanson shares. “Our vision, in partnership with PIND, is to foster an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of ability, has access to the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy. Equipping PWDs with these skills is crucial to creating equal opportunities for employment and economic participation.”
The initiative, in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Government’s School of Special Needs in Uyo and Start Innovation Hub’s Community Innovation Centres in Oron and Ibiono Ibom LGA, ensures accessibility and convenience for participants. This partnership, formalized through the approval of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Education, underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive education and digital empowerment, aligned with the A.R.I.S.E. agenda.
Hanson credits much of Start Innovation Hub’s progress to PIND’s support, which has enabled him to scale operations and take on larger projects. The new partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Government to promote inclusivity is a direct result of this collaboration, reflecting a shared commitment to ensuring that PWDs are not left behind in today’s technology-driven world, where digital literacy is essential.
Looking ahead, Start Innovation Hub remains focused on its mission to promote digital empowerment and inclusivity. With continued support from PIND and new partnerships with government entities, the hub is well-positioned to expand its reach and impact across the Niger Delta.
Learn more about our achievements in empowering youths in the Niger Delta region through our Youth Employment Pathways (YEP) Program here:
https://pindfoundation.org/project/youth-employment-pathways
Sir please I want to find out if your organisation is in partnership with ideas hub. Or the world bank partnership training is it still ongoing? Can we apply now in Akwa Ibom or Port Harcourt.