INNOVATIVE BRILLIANCE UNLEASHED AT BUILD-A-THON 2024 IN IMO STATE

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Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy joins forces with Imo State ministries for a groundbreaking Digital empowerment initiative

In concert with the Imo State Digital Agenda, The Federal Ministry of Communications Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the Imo State Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government and the Ministry of Education organized the much-anticipated Build-a-Thon 2024
The four-day event, held from the 22nd to the 25th of January 2024 at the prestigious Landmark Event Centre in Imo State, showcased the innovative prowess of 500 talented students from secondary schools across the state.

The Build-a-Thon, an immersion program where children are exposed to embedded and other emerging technologies is aimed at empowering the next generation of techies, equipping them with future-proof skills that will make them relevant players in the global emerging Digital Economy. Unleashing their power of creativity, it is designed to develop their innovative spirit making them developers of solutions that will usher in sustainable development in the economy.

In his welcome address, the Immediate past Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi stressed that Digital skills have become a lifesaving skill, and an economic enhancement skill in high demand globally.

“Once you can deploy the potentials God has given you, unleash your creativity, and can use the tools before you, you will become the next Mark Zuckerberg from Imo State Nigeria. Our Governor, Dist. Senator Hope Uzodinma who understands that technology is the future became the first to establish the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-government. With this trailblazing approach, we are hopeful that the best innovations will come from you, thereby placing Imo as the Digital skills hub of Africa’’.

Earlier in his speech, the immediate past commissioner of Education, Prof. John cliff Chike Nwadike also enjoined the students to use the invaluable opportunity before them to transform their lives and the nation as a whole.

Following the inauguration, the participants dove into a series of hands-on challenges designed to test their skills in coding, app development, and other digital disciplines. Mentors and industry experts provided guidance, offering valuable insights and encouragement to the budding innovators.

The Landmark Event Centre buzzed with excitement as teams of students collaborated, brainstormed, and brought their ideas to life. The atmosphere was charged with the spirit of competition as the young minds raced against the clock to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.

At the end of the intense and exhilarating event, projects constructed by the students embraced; Biometric attendance register, street lights, solar tower and panels, Smart doors, Speed boats, Fire alarm systems, Virus detecting robots, Digital radios, Rechargeable generators, rechargeable power batteries,  traffic lights, Emergency response systems, Cyclone arcades, etc.

Winners emerged in 15 categories: Best Overall Project, Most Innovative Project, Most Creative Project, Best Use of Technology, Most Sustainable Project, Most Collaborative Project, Best Project Presentation, Best Documentation, Future Innovators, Community Impact, The Audience Choice, Raspberry Pi mastery, NCC award for innovation and creativity, the best problem-solving project and the Most adaptable project.

Comprehensive secondary school Avu emerged the champion of Build-a-thon 2024 as the school with the Best Overall project. The ceremony concluded with an awards presentation.

Build-a-Thon 2024 not only showcased the immense talent and potential of Imo State’s youths but also underscored the federal government’s commitment to nurturing a digitally literate and innovative society by engaging other States and other sub-nationals’ structures for a backward integration strategy imperative for Project objective realization.

The Imo State Build-a- thon 2024 was organised by The Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation Digital Economy and partnered by Raspberry Pi Foundation and the Nigerian Communications Commission.

Sandra Opara.
P.R.O
Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government

 

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Ikechukwu Anyanwu
PROFILE OF IKECHUKWU ANYANWU Ikechukwu Anyanwu is an Imo State born Nigerian. An Author, Public Speaker, Humanitarian, Blogger, Media Guru and Start-up Coach. He has inspired millions through Arise Africa Network Platform He Is Into Education, Media, Entertainment, Showbiz and Hospitality Industry. Having calved a nitche for himself as a leadership expert, human capital development and management consultant. He is currently the Chairman, Online Media practitioners Association of Nigeria, Imo State Chapter. Ceo Arise Africa Magazine, Founder Arise Africa Network – a non-profit organization. Face of Arise Africa, Managing Consultant GCFN Consult. Member, Imo State Bloggers Association. Ag National President, Association of Pageant CEO’s of Nigeria Human Resource Specialist and Leadership Coach with astute impact on many seeking to maximize their skills, intellectuals and innate potentials He has a track record of reproducing leaders and helping them to gain dominance within their nitch. Mr Anyanwu after a rich career that spanned for 18 years having worked as Human Resources Manger, Outlet Manager Rennys Foods Limited from 2004 – 2019, Management Consultant for various Quick Service Restaurants in Abuja, Enugu, Rivers State, Abia, Ebonyi, Kogi and Imo State is now focusing on helping young people to discover, develop their talents. He has built lots of platforms for young people of Africa to express their talents. He is passionate about writing, consulting, coaching and training. He blogs regularly via www.ariseafrika.com and has a thriving social media followership. He is a graduate of Sociology/Anthropology, Imo State University whose passion is to impart knowledge by educating, equipping and empowering young minds for the future. He is an alumni of Living Word Training Center He is also the West African Representative of All African Media Networks He is married to Mrs Carol Anyanwu and blessed with 3 sons.

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