Innovators to storm Akwa Ibom, vow to boost nation’s economy

By, Eka James, Akwa-ibom

A community of innovators and innovation support organizations in Akwa Ibom State under the umbrella of Ibom Innovation Network (IIN) have vowed to work towards boosting the economy of the state.

The Nations News Nigeriareports that there are plans to kickstart the 2024 Tech week in the state from October 28 to November 1.

They added that the week which would converge tech experts, industry leaders and other stakeholders was aimed at driving impactful innovation across various sectors and bringing about a resilient and sustainable economy in the state and the nation at large.

The president of the group, Mr. Hanson Johnson who made this known during a press conference in Uyo, described the week with the themed: “Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2024: Building a Resilient Innovation Ecosystem” as a movement towards harnessing the collective ingenuity of the people to create sustainable solutions.

Johnson, who used the occasion to highlight the successes of the organization, said the state has emerged as a hub for tech enthusiasts and professionals, with a developer ecosystem growing at an impressive 29.7% month-on-month since March 2023.

He recalled the successes recorded in the 2023 Tech week to include: 500 learners in Akwa Ibom receiving goggle scholarships of which over 350 of them completed certifications in project management, cybersecurity, user experience design, and e-commerce adding that those skills empowered the youth to contribute to the digital economy.

He also stated that through the organization’s Volunteer Leadership and Soft skills Development, it has been able to develop soft skills and leadership capacity of 150 cohorts in the last 10 months and deepened its diaspora engagement for the community in order to connect development activities back home with funding initiatives and professional competences abroad.

Johnson called for government support through investment in infrastructure, education, and research, along with tax incentives, grants, and regulatory frameworks to encourage startups and attract investors so as to foster a resilient innovation ecosystem in the State.

He also called on innovators to focus on sustainable solutions, diversify revenue streams, Networking and knowledge-sharing within the community to foster resilience.

The president said as Nigeria faces economic challenges, building an innovation ecosystem isn’t without hurdles adding that resilience remains the key.

He therefore called on policymakers, innovators, educational institutions and investors to collaborate with the organization as it prepares for the 2024 tech week.

Earlier, the planning committee chairman for the week, Amanda Etuk said the theme was apt, given the present economic situation in the country.

She explained that with innovation, technology, research and industry; business and the economy would not only pull through but become resilient.

According to her, “Technology, startup enterprise and rapid innovation will pull Nigeria out of the current economic slope she has found herself. The tech landscape in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, is poised to transform a nascent ecosystem into a resilient, thriving and innovation powerhouse for what is now known as “Africa’s New Tech Destination.”

Giving an insight about the week, the Committee Chairman said it will feature hackathons, coding boot camps, exhibitions and mentorship sessions aimed at empowering the next generation of tech leaders and innovators among other things.