Broadcasting
Aba Hackathon Challenge Opens Application Portal for Startups
The application portal for ‘Aba Hackathon Challenge’ opened for Startups and teams with great ideas on how to add value to the Aba manufacturing clusters.
The Hackathon Challenge is an extension of the Proudly Made in Aba Campaign by TBWA in partnership with #StartupSouth and funded by Ford Foundation.
The portal will close on February 26, 2018 with the main event scheduled for March 16, 2018.
The initial campaign brought more attention to the Aba manufacturing clusters – exposing the great innovative and resilient spirit of the traders/manufacturers.
It also exposed the challenges and deficiencies as well as steps required to fully actualize the mandate of the campaign which is to inspire a revolutionary growth of the Aba manufacturing clusters through re-energized interest in their products from both within and outside Nigeria.
Proudly Made in Aba Campaign Insight
Some of the insights from the campaign revealed that over eight hundred thousand (800,000) pairs of shoes, three hundred and fifty thousand (350,000) Belts, Bags and other leather goods are manufactured everyday in Aba.
Also, another One Million, Five Hundred Thousand (1,500,000) Clothing items are manufactured every week in Aba.
This is excluding other manufacturing activities around industries such as upholstery, metal, machine and automobile repairs and fabrication.
Some of the challenges identified range from access to market, distribution/logistic difficulties, lack of marketing/branding knowledge to lack of modern manufacturing equipment and processes to mention just a few.
The Right Teams / Who Should Apply
The Hackathon Challenge is seeking passionate teams familiar with and knowledgeable about issues mentioned (and others not mentioned) here and building a solution that can solve any or all of the problems.
To be successful, teams should be able to demonstrate their understanding of the problem, the impact of their solution to the stated problem area and the experience of their team.
Virgin ideas may apply, however, ideas with traction backed by experienced teams stand a better chance.
A shortlist of 10 teams will be pre-approved to proceed to the Hackathon camp and made to present to a panel of judges comprised of multi-disciplined seasoned business leaders.
About #StartupSouth
#StartupSouth is a Startup Ecosystem development project by Havilah & Hills with a mission to expose, connect and attract investment to startups/founders in the South-South and South-East. Please see www.startupsouth.org for more information
About TBWA\Concept
TBWA\Concept is part of a global network of 300 agencies in over 100 countries committed to helping brands find strategic and creative white space with the main objective of achieving growth through our proprietary strategic tool, Disruption. Please see www.tbwaconcept.com for more information
About Ford Foundation
Ford Foundation is an international philanthropy organisation dedicated to the advancement of human welfare through reducing poverty and promoting democratic values, peace, and educational opportunity.
Please see www.fordfoundation.org for more information
Broadcasting
Anambra State Government Launches SolutionLens to Drive Transparency and Citizen Engagement
Anambra State Government has launched SolutionLens, a technology-driven platform aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance.
The platform, developed through a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Ministry of Information, and the Anambra State ICT Agency, was unveiled on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Solution Innovation District (SID) Building in Awka.
Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, described SolutionLens as a democratic tool that simplifies the Open Government Partnership (OGP) process.
She emphasized its role in planning, budgeting, and fostering investor confidence through community-based feedback mechanisms.
In her remarks, Mrs. Ogochukwu Orji, the State Coordinator of OGP, noted that SolutionLens is designed to shine a light on public projects, empowering citizens to ask questions, hold the government accountable, and ensure resources are used for the common good.
Key Features of SolutionLens
Centralized digital hub for government projects
Interactive maps with a user-friendly interface
Live chat feature to connect citizens directly with MDAs
A live demonstration of the platform was conducted, followed by the formal inauguration of MDA focal persons, who will ensure the platform remains updated and responsive.
Participants commended Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for this forward-thinking initiative, describing SolutionLens as a game-changer in governance.
The government urged citizens to actively engage with the platform and spread awareness, emphasizing that this initiative will safeguard the integrity and prosperity of Anambra State for generations to come.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has been named among the “50 Most Valuable Personalities (50MVPs) in Nigeria’s Digital Economy 2025,” a prestigious recognition celebrating visionary leadership in technology-driven governance.
Governor Alia’s administration has prioritized digital inclusion and ICT development, introducing groundbreaking initiatives that position Benue State at the forefront of Nigeria’s digital economy. Under his leadership, the government has established three key institutions: the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), and the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Services Management and Enforcement Agency (BENDISMEA).
Since assuming office, Alia has launched several digital initiatives, including training over 40,000 civil servants in e-governance tools and equipping 10,000 youths with digital skills. Additionally, the government has set up 276 e-commerce hubs across council wards to support local businesses and young entrepreneurs.
The BDIC, a core driver of Benue’s tech transformation, has spearheaded projects in digital financial inclusion, AI education, and broadband expansion. The state has also partnered with the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) to establish digital training hubs in all local government areas, targeting 23,000 trainees annually.
Alia’s recognition as one of Nigeria’s top digital leaders will be formalized at the West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC) 2025, scheduled for May 22 at The Colosseum, Lagos. The annual event, organized by Knowhow Media, brings together policymakers and innovators shaping Nigeria’s digital future.
Speaking on the selection process, Dr. Sola Afolabi, Chairman of the 2025 Nomination Committee, praised Alia’s contribution, describing his digital initiatives as “transformational steps that set the benchmark for technology-driven governance.”
Previous editions of the 50MVPs in Nigeria’s Digital Economy have honored notable figures such as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and NDPC CEO, Dr. Vincent Olatunji.
Governor Alia’s reforms reflect a broader shift towards digital governance in Nigeria, highlighting the potential of technology to drive inclusive economic growth and efficient public administration.
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