About Blue Sapphire Hub
About
Blue Sapphire Hub
Our goal is to instill skills in people to build robust community of innovators and sustainable solution providers that will drive technology entrepreneurship.
To be a catalyst for transformative change, pioneering innovation, and fostering a sustainable and inclusive future across Northern Nigeria and beyond.
To create an enabling environment where individuals of all backgrounds can access tools, resources, and opportunities to innovate, grow, and lead solutions that address societal challenges through technology and inclusive community engagement.
Our story
Blue Sapphire Hub is the first-female owned innovation center in Northern Nigeria. We started operations since 2014. We are focused on developing sustainable solutions and building entrepreneurial communities for scalable impact. Our budding community is made up of innovators, entrepreneurs, freelancers and dare dreamers who leverage the power of tech and innovation to identify and solve the most pressing societal challenges.
Innovation and Technology are at the heart of the work we do, we believe in breaking barriers, disrupting and challenging stereotypes in order to create positive change. We provide a launchpad for Innovators and support young entrepreneurs to thrive. We provide Incubation programs, Capacity building services, Consultancy and Product Development for startups, government organizations, NGOs and companies respectively
A deep commitment to community
Sectors of Focus
Health & Wellbeing: Healthy Minds, Resilient Lives
Focus Areas:
- Mental health awareness integrated into youth programs.
- Use of tech for health education, community outreach, and wellness.
- Platforms to encourage positive lifestyles and wellbeing in communities.
Environment & Climate Action: Communities Leading Climate Solutions
Focus Areas:
- Community-led environmental initiatives like tree planting and clean-ups.
- Climate-focused innovation challenges for local solutions.
- Advocacy for sustainable development and eco-friendly practices.
Governance & Civic Engagement: Informed Citizens, Stronger Communities.
Focus Areas:
- Awareness programs on data rights, governance, and civic responsibility.
- Radio programs, community dialogues, and advocacy campaigns.
- Policy engagement to influence inclusive and youth-focused policies.
Creative Economy: Empowering Youth Through Arts & Tech
Focus Areas:
- Promotion of arts, culture, music, fashion, and digital media as tools for innovation and economic growth.
- Support for youth-led creative startups and monetization of creative skills.
- Integration of technology to scale creative solutions, e.g., digital art, animation, and media production.
Agriculture & Food Security: Cultivating Growth, Securing Food Futures.
Focus Areas:
- Use of technology for modern farming practices, agribusiness, and value chain development.
- Training youth and women in digital agriculture, precision farming, and farm management apps.
- Promoting sustainable farming, climate-smart agriculture, and local food systems.
Our Path to Impact
Education & Skills Development
- Digital literacy, coding, programming, and tech-enabled learning.
- Capacity building for youth and women through training, workshops, and mentorship.
- Initiatives like Digital Community Readers and AI-driven learning solutions.
Technology & Innovation
- Support for tech-driven solutions in health, agriculture, education, and climate
- Hackathons, ideathons, incubation programs for startups.
- Development of AI tools, apps, and platforms to address local challenges.
Gender & Social Inclusion
- Empowerment of women, youth, and people with disabilities.
- Promotion of equitable access to digital skills, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
- Advocacy for inclusive policies, gender equality, and social justice.
Media & Production
- Creating films, multimedia content to amplify community stories, advocacy campaigns, and educational programs.
- Training youth in digital media, audio-visual production, and content creation.
- Using media as a platform for innovation, outreach, and public engagement.
Policy Development & Advocacy
- Engaging stakeholders to influence inclusive and youth-focused policies.
- Conducting advocacy campaigns on governance, digital rights, and social issues.
- Supporting policy formulation through research, dialogue, and evidence-based recommendations.
Research & Insight
- Conducting studies to generate data-driven insights for social, economic, and technological interventions.
- Assessing program effectiveness and community needs to inform innovation and policy.
- Partnering with academic and research institutions to expand knowledge and best practices.
Job Placement & Career Opportunities
- Organizing job fairs, recruitment drives, and skills-to-employment initiatives.
- Linking trained youth and women to internships, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities.
- Supporting career guidance, resume building, and workplace readiness programs. Impact: Bridges the gap between skills acquisition and sustainable employment.
Our Team
Usman Fori
Usman Fori is a technology leader, innovation ecosystem builder, and program management professional with over 7 years of experience driving digital transformation, entrepreneurship support, and community development across Northern Nigeria. He specializes in designing and delivering high-impact programs that expand digital access, empower youth, and strengthen startup ecosystems. He currently serves as the Programs Director at Blue Sapphire Hub, where he leads strategy, implementation, and partnerships for innovation and capacity-building initiatives.
Khadija Sanusi Usman
Khadija Sanusi is an ICT professional, digital fluency advocate, and workplace digital transformation specialist with nearly a decade of corporate experience. She currently serves as the Programs Officer at Blue Sapphire Hub, where she designs and delivers technology-driven capacity-building initiatives. She specializes in digital workflow optimization, digital skills training, and research, and is passionate about advancing digital skills for youth, women, and public sector transformation.
Sani Makusidi Suleiman
Sani Makusidi Suleiman is a dynamic and results-driven professional serving as Programs Coordinator/Talent Advisor. He brings expertise in planning, coordination, and implementation of programs, ensuring seamless execution and adherence to budgets. With a talent for relationship management, Sani fosters strong connections between staff, clients, and stakeholders, driving program growth and success. As a detail-oriented and tech-savvy professional, he leverages technology to enhance program operations and communication. Sani is passionate about empowering individuals and organizations, matching skilled talents with job opportunities and fostering meaningful connections.
Ruqayya Nura
Ruqayya is a dedicated Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Officer with strong expertise in promoting inclusive development, safeguarding, and gender-responsive programming. She supports organizations in integrating gender and social inclusion across project design, implementation, and monitoring. With experience in conducting GESI analyses, training stakeholders, and advocating for vulnerable groups, she works to ensure equitable participation, protection, and opportunities for women, youth, and marginalized communities. She is passionate about building inclusive systems that drive sustainable and transformative change.
Abubakar Ibrahim Machika
Abubakar Ibrahim Machika is a community engagement specialist, innovation ecosystem supporter, and grant writing professional with experience advancing entrepreneurship support, digital inclusion, and youth development across Nigeria. He specializes in managing vibrant communities, coordinating high-impact programs, and developing compelling grant proposals that strengthen organizations and expand opportunities for young innovators. He currently serves as Community Manager at Blue Sapphire Hub, where he leads community engagement, program coordination, and startup support while fostering collaborations that help creators, entrepreneurs, and youth thrive.
Maryam Kabir Salisu
Maryam Kabir is a committed development professional with experience in administration and program management. I have supported and managed diverse development initiatives, ensuring smooth operations, effective coordination, and full compliance with organizational and donor standards. As a Programs Officer, I oversee project planning and implementation, track progress, support reporting, and ensure that activities deliver meaningful results. My administrative expertise strengthens project efficiency through meticulous documentation, financial support and clear communication across teams.
Maryam Aminu
Maryam Aminu is a dedicated finance assistant with experience supporting daily financial activities, preparing vouchers, managing records, and assisting with account processes. She contributes to smooth operations by ensuring accuracy, organization, and timely financial support within the team. She currently works as a Finance Assistant, supporting financial documentation, coordination, and administrative tasks.
Dominic Hena
Dominic Hena is a tech-savvy digital strategist and creative professional currently serving as Head of Digital Communication at Blue Sapphire Hub in Kano. In this role, he leads the design and execution of multi-platform digital marketing campaigns, oversees content development, and drives audience engagement through data-driven strategies. With a B.Sc. in Mathematics and certifications in digital marketing, project management, and creative design, Dominic blends analytical thinking with visual storytelling to support innovation and community-focused initiatives across Northern Nigeria.
Aminu Balarabe
Aminu Balarabe Aminu Balarabe is a creative media strategist, content creator, and visual storyteller currently serving as the Media Head at BlueSapphire Hub. With a strong background in digital content production, brand visibility, and audience engagement, he specializes in crafting high-impact videos, campaigns, and narratives that elevate tech brands and drive measurable results.
He is passionate about blending creativity with technology to showcase innovation, build communities, and shape compelling brand identities. Through strategic planning, cinematic storytelling, and consistent delivery, Aminu helps BlueSapphire Hub amplify its mission, spotlight impact, and inspire the next generation of tech innovators.
Samuel Igbinosa
Samuel Igbinosa is a dedicated Programs Officer with strong expertise in Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI). He supports the design, coordination, and implementation of development projects that promote equitable participation and inclusive outcomes. Samuel integrates GESI principles into program planning, ensuring that women, youth, and marginalized groups are meaningfully represented and empowered. Through careful monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based reporting, he strengthens program effectiveness and ensures alignment with donor and organizational standards. Passionate about fairness, accountability, and sustainable development, Samuel is committed to advancing initiatives that create inclusive and lasting impact.
Advisory Board
Faiz Muhammad
Faiz Muhammad is a policy and innovation leader advancing Africa’s digital transformation and green transition agendas. As Technical Lead under the EU-AU AEDIB 2.0 programme at Expertise France, he supports startups and innovation support organizations across Africa to achieve investment readiness and scale sustainably. His expertise lies in designing frameworks that integrate digital adoption with climate-aware entrepreneurship, ensuring access-to-finance mechanisms reward innovation that drives both competitiveness and resilience. Faiz has contributed to continental dialogues on inclusive digital policy, climate-tech, and startup finance, collaborating with actors such as the African Union, European Union, GIZ, and WIPO.
Engr. Suleiman Bala Sani
Engr. Suleiman Bala Sani is a development and technology professional with experience in digital transformation, innovation ecosystems, and inclusive economic development in Nigeria. He has contributed to digital skills, renewable energy, and policy-focused initiatives, working with government, development partners, and the private sector. As an Advisory Board Member at Blue Sapphire Hub, he provides strategic guidance on partnerships, programme design, and impact-driven innovation to support inclusive digital transformation.