Over 25,000 Anambra Youths Empowered Under My Administration – Soludo

By Praise Chinecherem

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to youths empowerment for self reliance.

Soludo gave the assurance while declaring open a five-day Anambra Innovation Week 2024, themed “Creating the Future of Africa Now.” held at the International Convention Centre.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dr Onyeka Ibezim disclosed that over 25,000 youths have undergone free training under the “One Youth Two Skills Initiatives” in various skills, who are now self-reliant and employers of labour.

He assured to train more in digital and other skills as part of efforts to meaningfully engage more youths in the state.

According to him the current government house would be converted to the Solution Innovation District (SID) which he referred to as “our own Silicon Valley”.

He challenged the facilitators to give their bests to the participants to equip them to proffer digital solution to challenges confronting the state and country at large.

“We call on participants to leverage technology to create ideas and solutions that will better the tech future of Anambra state and Africa at large. if you don’t embrace technology, growth will elude you,” he added.

Earlier, Convener of the event and Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, Ms Chinwe Okoli said the event was in line with the Governor’s vision of a digitally-empowered Anambra.

She said the event was designed to celebrate innovation, foster collaboration, and chart the course for the digital future of Anambra and Africa at large.

According to her, the Solution Innovation District (SID) was established in 2022 by the Governor as a cornerstone of his agenda to build Anambra’s digital tribe.

She said the bold initiative had since become 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.

“The event seeks to leverage the transformative power of technology and innovation in building an Africa that thrives in the digital economy,” she stated.

While running down the overview of the event’s week, Ms 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.

“The gathering will equally dive into a high-impact panel 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.”

Among the resource persons that delivered papers at the event that attracted tech enthusiasts, innovators, students, included, Mr Emeka Afigbo from Silicon Valley California, USA; Mr Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, MD/CEO Anambra ICT Agency; Mr Emmanuel Essiet and Mr Daniel Chinagoro.