Tech Enthusiasts, Start-Ups to Showcase Digital Skills as Anambra Innovation Week Kicks Off

By Ukpa Ewa

The highly anticipated Anambra Innovation Week 2024 commenced on Monday at the International Conference Center, Awka, with tech enthusiasts, start ups, industry leaders, and youths in attendance.

The five-day event is expected to provide a platform for tech savvy youths to showcase their innovative skills aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration, and shaping the digital future of Anambra, Nigeria and Africa.

In his keynote address, Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, lauded the state Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, for his visionary leadership, particularly in empowering youth through programmes like “One Youth, Two Skills.”

Ibezim highlighted the state commitment to technology and innovation, referencing plans to establish an Anambra Silicon Valley.

The Deputy Governor who officially declared the event open, urged participants to leverage the event to enhance their skills and contribute to Anambra’s tech-driven growth.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Solution Innovation District (SID) Ms Chinwe Okoli In her address on the theme, “Creating the Future of Africa Now,” emphasized the urgent need for a technology-driven, inclusive Africa.

She reiterated that Governor Soludo’s launch of SID in 2022 was a pivotal step in building Anambra’s digital future, noting that SID has since become a hub for innovation, empowering startups, training youth, and supporting the state’s digital economy goals.

She urged participants to maximize the opportunity to learn, connect, and share ideas that could drive sustainable change.

On his part, the Managing Director of Anambra Information Communication Technology Agency Mr. Fred Agbata emphasized technology’s role in problem-solving and the importance of collaboration for success.

He encouraged participants to engage in the tech space, regardless of their expertise, noting the governor’s focus on making Anambra a technology hub.

Also, the Chief Executive Officer of Premia Business Network, Mr. Bola Lawal, spoke about digital transformation, highlighting Nigeria’s talent potential and the need for infrastructure to support emerging technologies.

He praised Governor Soludo’s tech-centric policies, stressing the importance of nurturing tech skills among the youth.

Other sessions, including discussions on innovation life cycles, emerging technology trends, and digital literacy, were led by notable speakers such as Daniel Chinagozi, Emeka Afigbo, and Emmanuel Essiet.

The event also saw the presence of key government figures, including Commissioner for Ministry of Environment Dr. Felix Odimegwu, Commissioner For Youth Development Mr. Patrick Agha as well as United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) representatives, academia, and students.

Anambra Innovation Week 2024 has set the stage for transformative growth, with technology at the heart of its future aspirations.