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The International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) has opened an innovation centre in Lagos, Nigeria as part of efforts to speed up innovation for Nigerian and West African businesses and IT sectors. This centre offers clients, IT partners, developers, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and academics access to enhanced cloud capabilities and extensive big data analytics resources with capabilities for virtual and in-person training, while clients can test IBM’s new products, network with peers from around the world and receive mentoring and guidance from IT and business experts. Taiwo Otiti, IBM West Africa Country General Manager, said the new centre is part of the company’s strategy to spur the advancement of information technology in West Africa. “Our investment in this centre is in line with our strategy to help fuel growth in Nigeria’s IT sector and to support the use of advanced technology service delivery for the public sector and commercial business growth, particularly expansion in West Africa,” He continued, “IBM Innovation centres are designed to help clients envisage their future, illustrated using IBM Social, Mobile, Analytics and Cloud solutions, combined with industry focused experience and expertise. Through this centre, we will bring the reach of IBM’s global capabilities and thought leadership closer to local and regional clients.” The company has also announced Project Lucy, a ten-year initiative through which it will invest US$100 million to give scientists and partners in Africa access to the world’s most advanced cognitive computing technologies.