THE LAUNCH OF ANAMBRA INNOVATION WEEK 2024; OPERATION “EVERYTHING TECHNOLOGY, TECHNOLOGY EVERYWHERE”
By Chisom Okpala :
The Maiden edition of the Anambra Innovation Week has been launched in the state, an initiative that will help position Anambra as a hub for technology and entrepreneurship.
Speaking to young technocrats and innovators at the International Conference Center in Awka, the State Deputy Governor, Dr. OnyekaChukwu Ibezim who spoke on behalf of the Governor, Prof. Soludo advised youths to tap into the vast technology driven opportunities inorder to develop themselves.
Dr. Ibezim expressed optimism that Gov. Soludo’s clear vision to make Anambra the Silicone Valley of Africa will benefit Ndi Anambra both home and diaspora.
He also explained that the recent flag off of the ‘UNDP Solution Innovation District Area’ in the state is an indication that government is committed and concerned in enhancing innovations, exploring all aspects of technology driven by the clear mantra of “everything technology and technology everywhere”.
The Deputy Governor also noted that over 25,000 youths in the state has been trained on various skills by the Soludo administration, as well as follow up mentorship in their chosen paths and provision of grants to enable them start up their businesses.
In a welcome note, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, Ms Chinwe Okoli stated that the Innovation Week is a historical gathering designed to celebrate innovation in the state, to foster collaborations in Nigeria and charge the course for the digital future of Anambra and Africa at large.
She pointed out that the theme, “Creating the Future of Africa, Now” is a clarion call to leverage an informative part of technology and innovation in building an Africa that thrive in digital economy.
Ms Okoli also commended Gov. Soludo’s commitment to digitally empowered Anambra, a state where technology drives everything done in the state.
According to Mrs Okoli, the concept of Solution Innovation District was birthed in the year 2022 and established to become a cornerstone for brewing new innovators especially in Anambra State, a beacon for innovation, nurturing start-ups, empowering young talents, building the Anambra digital tribe and driving the state transition into a technology based economy.
Also present at the launch, the State Commissioner for Youth, Mr .Patrick Agha Mba, Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Felix Odumegwu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Empowerment Programmes, Dr Nelson Omenugha, UNDP Representatives.
Others include; Innovators, Top Tech CEOs, Entrepreneurs, Digital Experts an others all spoke on emerging trends and opportunities in technology, as well as innovation tips.
The Programme will feature as part of its highlights, the ‘Battle4Solution’, an innovative competition with the prize pool of over 100,000,000 naira.
*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
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