Technovation Girls challenge equips young women (ages 10-18) to become tech entrepreneurs and leaders. With the support of volunteer and mentors, girls work in teams to code mobile apps that address real-world problems. This annual competition is hosted in the South South region of Nigeria by iKapture Centre for Development with support from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and American Space Calabar.
The journey began in January, 2021. Secondary schools and after-school centers in Cross River State were visited as well as those in Abia, Akwa Ibom and Ebonyi State to brief them about the program. With the support of the school administrations and their mentors, over 250 girls accepted our challenge to form teams, identify and solve real-world problems in their communities through technology and entrepreneurship. With the guidance of their mentors, they spent about five months participating in the program: learning how to code and create mobile apps to solve community problems like poor quality of education, lack of healthcare services, fake food products and more.
However, the success of the program would not have been possible without the support of the regional ambassador, Grace Ihejiamaizu and the over 35 mentors who worked with teams from start to finish, providing the resources and motivation they needed to complete their projects and members of the organizing team for step-by-step guidance throughout the timeline. In her opening address, the current Executive Director of iKapture Centre for Development, Mrs. Juliet Inyang, said “the Technovation program is one of the yearly ingenious programs offered by iKapture Centre for Development among others like Academic tutorials, Digital Summer Bootcamp and YLead Fellowship. We encourage you parents and guardian to take advantages of these program by enrolling your wards. Thinking of technology? Think Technovation… At iKapture, your young girls are the future of Tech!”.
The celebration with about 300 people in attendance including participants, teachers, mentors, parents, guests and volunteers was aimed at bringing girls together, inspiring and encouraging them to take on more tech studies and competitions.
The Special Guest of Honour, Dr. Betta Edu, Cross River State Commissioner for Health, whose presence was graciously enjoyed by all, encouraged the participants to practice innovative thinking as the world is transforming rapidly with technology.
The event was graced by other dignitaries and notable personalities in Cross River State such as Engr. Dr. Mrs. Faithpraise Otosi (Pioneer HOD of Computer Engineering, UNICAL), Mr. Patrick Ndifon (CEO of Psifon), Hon. Emmanuel Etim (SSA to the Governor on Youth Affairs, CRS), and Mr. Elisha Agbama (CEO of 525 System). The guest speakers and panelists gave enjoyable warmth as they commended the effort of the sponsors and organizers of Technovation and enjoined that empowerment be continued for the girl-child. The girls were urged to become tech savvy, grabbing every learning opportunity as it comes.
Excitement could be seen in the faces of all, as awards were given to participating schools, mentors, and dignitaries. The event ended with everyone celebrating and grateful to the Technovation Girls Nigeria.
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