A young innovator from Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba state, Dantani AttahGani, has emerged as the state’s representative for the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) Innovation Hub Challenge after winning the state-level screening exercise.
AttahGani, a graduate of electrical engineering from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Jalingo, at the weekend.
He said his journey to the national stage began when he applied for the NASENI Innovation Hub Challenge in 2025, noting that the selection process involved intensive training sessions, multiple screening stages and the submission of project videos showcasing participants’ innovations.
According to him, only a limited number of candidates were selected from each state, with Taraba State producing two contestants for the competition.
Following a recent screening exercise, AttahGani emerged as the state’s representative with his innovative portable solar generator project.
The young engineer revealed that he is currently developing three major innovations, including a portable solar generator, a power bank system and a solar-powered refrigeration vehicle designed to preserve perishable goods.
He added that he is also working on a solar-powered cold room solution aimed at improving food storage and reducing post-harvest losses across communities.
Having successfully advanced from the state-level competition, AttahGani is now preparing to compete against representatives from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory for national honours.
He announced that public voting for the competition will commence on June 8 and will end on June 22, 2026, adding that 15 innovators would be selected to advance to the next stage of the challenge.
According to him, the shortlisted participants will have the opportunity to showcase their innovations before a panel of experts in Abuja later in the year.
He explained that three outstanding innovators would eventually emerge from the 15 finalists to represent Nigeria at higher levels of innovation and technology development.
Read also:
- NDLEA intercepts large opioid consignment in Taraba, arrests 75-year-old drug dealer in Ebonyi
- Accord Party gubernatorial candidate outlines plans to tackle housing deficit in Taraba
- Ex-Minister backs direct primaries in Taraba APC
- Ex-minister laments decades of under-performance in governance in Taraba
Expressing confidence in his prospects, AttahGani called on Nigerians, particularly residents of Taraba State, to support him during the public voting process through the competition’s online platforms and social media channels.
He also acknowledged the support of the Tony Foundation, describing the organisation as instrumental to his growth and development as an innovator.
The innovator further appealed to governments at all levels, private organisations and development partners to invest in and support young innovators across the country.
“Taraba State is blessed with talented young people whose ideas can transform society if given the necessary support and opportunities,” he said.
The NASENI Innovation Hub Challenge is designed to identify, nurture and promote innovative solutions capable of addressing local and national development challenges while fostering technological advancement among Nigeria’s youth.
