Solution Innovation Week Kicks Off In Awka With Call On Africa Not To Be Left Behind In The Tech World
A week-long workshop has commenced in Awka, Anambra State capital with a call on Africa not to be left behind in the technology world.
The workshop which has as its theme, “Creating The Future Of Africa Now,” took place at the International Conference Center, and attracted technological experts who spoke on the need for Anambra, Nigeria and indeed Africa, to step up action and embrace technology so as not to be left behind in the fast moving technological world.
Declaring the event open on behalf of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, restated the commitment of the present administration in the State, towards creating enabling environment for all to explore and identify their potential and shine.
“Governor Soludo administration has trained 25,000 youths in various skills, who are now self-reliant and employers of labour, and assured to train more in digital and other skills as part of efforts to meaningfully engage Anambra youths”.
He called on the participants to utilize the opportunity to be technically empowered to be able to proffer digital solution to challenges confronting Africa, Nigeria and in particular, the State and their environment.
In welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Innovation and Incubation, Miss Chinwe Okoli, stressed the importance of innovation and technology in building a prosperous Africa.
She said that the five-day event would be packed with exciting activities, including discussions on demystifying innovation, digital ecosystem, and emerging tech trends.
According to the Special Adviser, the week will also feature a Career Conference for students and young professionals across the 21 LGAs, complemented by a nationwide ICT quiz competition and startup hackathons.
She also intimated that the programme is in line with the vision of the governor for a digitally empowered Anambra State.
“In 2022, Governor Soludo established the Solution Innovation District (SID) as a cornerstone of his agenda to build Anambra’s digital tribe. This bold initiative has since become a beacon for innovation, nurturing startups, empowering young talents, and driving the state’s transition into a knowledge-based economy.
“From hosting groundbreaking training programs to developing the framework for the Anambra Digital Economy Blueprint, SID has made remarkable strides in positioning Anambra as a hub for technology and entrepreneurship in Africa. Today, this
platform stands as a testament to how visionary leadership can ignite transformational change.
Giving a rundown of the week’s Program of activities, Miss Okoli said, “Day 1 set the foundation with discussions on demystifying innovation, the digital ecosystem, and how emerging tech trends can shape state’s future, “Exploring the challenges and opportunities of digital
transformation in emerging economies”.
“Day 2 brings a Career Conference tailored for students and young professionals across all 21 LGAs, complemented by a nationwide ICT quiz competition and startup hackathons.
“On Day 3, our focus shifts to the Digital Transformation Conference for SMEs and Government, where discussions will center on governance efficiency and leveraging AI for impactful service delivery.
“Day 4 will feature the Startup Conference and Tradenovation Fair, where we celebrate creativity and enterprise with exhibitions, panels, and startup pitching competitions.
“Finally, Day 5, the Grand Summit, with exhibitions, high-level ministerial panels, and the official launch of transformative initiatives such as the One Million Anambra Digital Tribe and the Anambra Angel Network.”
Tech experts such as Emeka Afigbo from Silicon Valley California, USA; Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, MD/CEO Anambra ICT Agency; Emmanuel Essiet and Daniel Chinagoro were among Tech experts who spoke on the occasion, lifting the participants’ spirit towards embracing the digital innovations, and diving into the technology world.
