By Chizoba Njaka
The Wikimedia User Group Nigeria Anambra Network has marked its fourth anniversary with a call for increased youth participation, digital skills development and sustained documentation of Igbo culture, language, heritage and community knowledge. The anniversary celebration and award presentation, held on October 3, at the Prof. Kenneth Dike State Central E-Library, Awka, also featured the recognition of individuals and organisations that have supported the network’s activities and promotion of open knowledge.
In her welcome address, the President of Wikimedia User Group Nigeria Anambra Network, Mrs. Chinwendu Peace Anyanwu, said the network had implemented 102 projects in Anambra State and beyond, covering areas including health, governance, language, women and community information.
Anyanwu explained that Wikimedia was a global movement committed to making knowledge freely accessible through platforms including Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, Wiktionary, and other sister projects. She said the network had also organised campus outreach and training programmes that introduced students to Wikimedia projects while creating opportunities for digital skills development and global participation.
Also speaking, the Vice-President of Wikimedia User Group Nigeria Anambra Network, Comrade Chekwube Anslem Okoloneli, described the anniversary as a celebration of four years of open knowledge, digital training and capacity building in Anambra State.
He said the network’s major objectives included equipping youths with digital skills and preserving Igbo and African culture, language and heritage through the platforms such as Wikipedia, Wikidata, Wikimedia and others urging young people and students to actively join the Wikimedia movement, saying local communities should be able to tell their own stories rather than leave their history and heritage to outsiders.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, described Wikimedia as an important platform for knowledge dissemination, preservation and documentation of people, events and society. The Network/Fan club lead and Co founder Wikimedia User Group Nigeria, Mr. Kayode Yussuf, encouraged youths to focus on technology and positive ways of life, promising to continue supporting the initiative whenever called upon.
The Network’s Communication Team Lead, Miracle Chinaza Adiele, said his position and relationship with students had enabled him to introduce many young people to Wikimedia activities. He noted that students from areas including Mass Communication and Public Administration had participated in the network’s programmes, adding that the team was working tirelessly to achieve its objectives.
Among those honoured with awards of excellence were the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Anambra State Chapter, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, and the CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, among others.
Odogwu, who was represented by a veteran journalist, Comrade Uche Kalu, expressed appreciation for the recognition and congratulated Wikimedia on four years of sustained activities, describing the platform as important for disseminating information and preserving events, people and societal history.
The anniversary celebration ended with renewed calls for volunteers, editors, trainers, photographers, researchers and newcomers to continue contributing to Wikimedia projects, while beneficiaries of the awards expressed appreciation and pledged their continued support for the network. Highlights of the occasion included a spelling ‘B’ competition, cultural dance performances, anniversary cake cutting, presentation of awards, among other activities.
Chizoba Njaka is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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