By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
In a strategic initiative to drive Nigeria’s economic growth through innovation and technology, the Ibom Innovation Network (IIN), organizers of Akwa Ibom Tech Week, has officially unveiled the 2024 Innovation Challenge.
The launch event, held in Uyo, marks the commencement of a month-long competition leading up to Akwa Ibom Tech Week. Contestants will develop innovative solutions to challenges posed by private-sector sponsors.
The network seeks to create a dynamic ecosystem where innovators, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders can collaborate to address pressing societal issues.
Hanson Johnson, President of the Ibom Innovation Network, stated, “The Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2024 Innovation Challenge is more than just a competition; it’s a catalyst for change. We’re encouraging our brightest minds to tackle real-world problems, fostering a resilient innovation ecosystem. This initiative underscores our commitment to empowering youth, driving economic growth, and positioning Akwa Ibom as Africa’s New Tech Destination.”
Aniekan Essienette, General Manager of Marketing and Communications for Ibom Air, announced the Ibom Air Prize for Innovation, highlighting the airline’s mission to spearhead Nigeria’s aviation sector with homegrown innovations through its sponsorship of the Innovation Challenge.
Stanley Igwe, Group Manager for ICT at Ibom Air, expressed the airline’s dedication to supporting the Ibom Innovation Network in promoting and rewarding local innovators, emphasizing a commitment to sustaining this partnership.
Idongesit Essien, Co-planner in charge of publicity, thanked the sponsors and announced a prize pool of 10 million Naira raised from various private-sector partners.
Sponsors include Ibom Air, Ubulu Africa, Hotels NG, Start Innovation Hub, Metikon Engineering, Victoria Ekanem Foundation, and Engineering Automation Technology Ltd.
Essien noted that while Akwa Ibom Tech Week in 2023 aimed to establish the state as “Africa’s New Tech Destination,” the stakes have now risen with the Innovation Challenge, focusing on leveraging local talent to develop solutions to local challenges.
Dr. Odiong Akpan, Co-founder of Ubulu Africa and Director at Ibom Innovation Network, encouraged innovators from diverse backgrounds, including universities, government agencies, the private sector, and secondary schools, to participate. He also called for increased involvement from private sector entities and government institutions to partner with IIN, fostering innovation growth in Akwa Ibom. While participants from all over Nigeria are welcome to apply, they will be assigned to local hubs within Akwa Ibom.
