The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) hosted the May edition of its monthly Inspiring Leadership Reflection Interactive Series (ILERIS) on May 30, 2025, at the CITAD office in Kano. The event brought together a diverse and engaged audience, including students from SIA School, members of the Deaf community, and participants from the Youth Leadership Program. They all came with one purpose: to learn from the experiences of a young leader who is making remarkable strides in the tech ecosystem—Maryam Lawan Gwadabe, founder of Blue Sapphire Hub.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Isah Garba, CITAD’s Senior Programmes Officer, who represented the Executive Director. He warmly greeted participants and provided an overview of the ILERIS initiative. In his remarks, he emphasized that ILERIS is a monthly platform dedicated to spotlighting individuals who have achieved excellence in their chosen fields, with the aim of inspiring and empowering young people through stories of grit, innovation, and leadership. “Our aim is to inspire and nurture more young individuals like the guest in Kano State—those who are driven by vision and determination.” He added
In her address, Maryam Lawan Gwadabe recounted her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a tech entrepreneur. She spoke of growing up on a farm where her father worked as an agronomist—an experience that helped shape her understanding of hard work and perseverance. After completing secondary school, she enrolled at APTECH Computer School, where she began to develop an interest in technology. Despite facing doubt and discouragement from some quarters, she pursued her passion relentlessly, eventually obtaining a degree in software engineering and later a master’s degree.
Maryam shared that her journey was not without setbacks. After being turned down for a lecturing position at a university, she decided to chart her own path by founding Blue Sapphire Hub—a technology and innovation center aimed at nurturing young talent. However, the early days of the Hub were riddled with challenges. She struggled with finances and was unable to pay staff salaries, which led to nearly all of her employees leaving—except for one, who stayed and worked with her through the difficult times. Through resilience, persistence, and a commitment to quality, Blue Sapphire Hub slowly grew into a respected innovation space.
In her presentation, Maryam encouraged young people to be sincere in their work, responsible in their actions, and unashamed to pursue their dreams. She also stressed the importance of keeping community welfare in mind, stating that success is not complete unless it positively impacts those around you. She expressed her commitment to making Blue Sapphire Hub a more inclusive space by creating opportunities for People with Disabilities to participate and benefit from the tech ecosystem.
During the interactive session, one participant asked how she handled leadership and team challenges in the early stages of her startup. In response, she explained that team building is often a tough journey for entrepreneurs, especially when resources are limited. Her advice was to find individuals who share your vision and are committed to adding value. She also urged participants not to be afraid of change, saying, “If you are not seeing progress in what you are doing, don’t be afraid to pivot—try something new. Growth often requires change.”
The May edition of ILERIS proved to be an inspiring and enriching experience for everyone in attendance. Maryam Lawan Gwadabe’s story resonated deeply with the audience, offering real-life lessons on resilience, leadership, and self-belief. Through her journey, participants were reminded that success is not a straight path, but one shaped by determination, adaptability, and a deep sense of purpose. CITAD remains committed to empowering young people by providing platforms like ILERIS that not only celebrate achievement but also cultivate the values needed to build a new generation of inclusive and visionary leaders.