From Moshood Karim
A wave of innovation and excitement swept through Benin City on Saturday as the 3MTT Edo State Community Impact Summit 2024, an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, concluded its second cohort with a Hackathon and close-out ceremony.
The programme, designed to upskill Nigerian youths in technology and entrepreneurship, celebrated the achievements of its participants while providing a platform for ground-breaking ideas to address Nigeria’s social and economic challenges.
The event featured a pitch session where participants showcased entrepreneurial solutions developed during the programme. The grand prize of ₦500,000 was awarded to Team AgroVest, whose tech-driven solution aimed to modernise farming techniques and increase agricultural yields. The first and second runners-up, Team 9ja Health Wise and Team E-Waste Management System, also received recognition and rewards for their innovative contributions.
Speaking at the event, Bernice Omiunu, Edo State Coordinator of 3MTT, lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, for their commitment to tackling youth unemployment through programmes like 3MTT.
“The goal is to create 3 million technical talents across Nigeria by equipping young people with practical skills in value creation, business development, and entrepreneurship,” she explained.
“The brilliance of the participants, as seen in their pitches, highlights the immense potential of Nigerian youths to innovate and solve problems.”
She stressed the need for continued support to help participants refine their ideas and build sustainable businesses, noting that the monetary stipends provided were meant to empower them further.
Among the panel of judges was Ms. Precious Imuwahen Ajoonu, pioneer Director General of the John Odigie Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), who praised the quality of ideas presented.
“Listening to these pitches gives me hope for a brighter future,” she said. “If implemented, these ideas can transform our country. Initiatives like 3MTT are crucial for Nigeria’s development.”
She called on the Edo State Government, led by Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, to emulate the Federal Government by investing in technology as a pathway to job creation.
Former Edo State Commissioner for Digital Economy, Science, and Technology, Hon. Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, expressed similar sentiments, describing the event as a testament to the ingenuity of Edo youths.
“The future of tech innovation in Edo State is promising. Programmes like this should be expanded and supported by both government and private sectors to sustain growth and encourage participation.” He added.
The summit also featured a panel discussion tackling pressing socio-economic issues. Panellists, including Mr. Efosa Iguodala, Mrs. Jobina Arinze, Osifo Goodness, and Mrs. Odimayomi Joy, highlighted the need for curriculum upgrades to integrate tech subjects, improved infrastructure for start-ups, and favourable policies to support innovation.
Mrs. Joy decried the alarming rate of the “Japa syndrome” (brain drain) and emphasised the importance of creating conditions in Nigeria that replicate the developments attracting talent abroad.
A representative from KOVAR delivered a presentation on “Leveraging Tech for Business Success” introducing participants to tools that can scale their businesses and improve productivity.
One of the beneficiaries, Osasere Joseph Osagiobare, Project Manager of Team 9ja Health Wise, shared her gratitude for the programme. She told Uptown Press in an interview: “Through 3MTT, I have not only honed my skills but also provided real-world solutions to real-world problems. This initiative gives hope to young Nigerians aspiring to create change.”
The event concluded with stakeholders urging greater collaboration between public and private sectors to fund and sustain innovative ideas thereby enhancing Nigerian tech ecosystem and fostering a generation of tech-savvy youths equipped to drive the nation’s digital transformation.
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