The 2024 Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge Competition concluded in Abuja, the nation’s capital, with Team INFRAMAPPORE emerging as the winner. The team triumphed over five others that advanced to the national stage from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The competition began at the state level, engaging participants from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with over 1,500 entrants. Six regional winners, one from each geopolitical zone, progressed to the finals in Abuja. Each regional winner was awarded ₦1 million, while Team INFRAMAPPORE claimed the grand prize of ₦5 million.
The 2024 Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge aims to leverage technology and innovation to address critical infrastructure challenges in Nigeria.
In his address, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Kashifu Inuwa, encouraged Nigerian youth to embrace innovation, emphasising the pivotal role of technology in global progress.
“Nigeria is making strides in innovation; however, government and stakeholder support is crucial to help young, talented Nigerians achieve their goals and contribute to national development,” he stated.
Mr. Inuwa was represented by the Director of the Department of Information Technology, Infrastructure Solutions, Mr. Oawumi Oladejo, who reiterated the agency’s commitment to supporting youth in driving the country’s economy.
The National Coordinator of the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), Mrs. Victoria Fabunmi, highlighted NITDA and ONDI’s dedication to fostering innovation and technology in Nigeria.
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“Under our strategic roadmap and action plan, we aim to support startups and connect them with MDAs to strengthen government and public sector operations. We are excited about this journey and will continue to provide support through more innovation challenges in the coming year,” she noted.
Professor Kingsley Nwozor, Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences and an Artificial Intelligence expert at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State, commended NITDA and ONDI for the remarkable initiative. He praised the Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge for harnessing digital solutions to tackle Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges.
“The theme, Showcasing Digital Solutions for Nigeria’s Infrastructure Challenges, underscores the urgency of recalibrating our nation’s growth trajectory through innovation. It embodies our collective commitment to leveraging digital solutions and the transformative power of data to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges—from economic growth to national security and sustainable development goals,” said Professor Nwozor.
He also emphasised the importance of data-driven initiatives, describing data as the “lifeblood of the digital economy.” Unlike oil, he pointed out, data is inexhaustible and exponentially reusable, with broad applications and accessibility that can drive societal advancement.
The challenge is now set to become an annual event, providing a platform for talented Nigerians to showcase their innovations and ideas, furthering the country’s digital economy.
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