Port Harcourt witnessed a remarkable gathering of visionaries, developers, creators, and advocates at the inaugural Droomwork Tech Talent Contest & Face of Rivers Tech Awards, a first-of-its-kind celebration spotlighting the brilliance and resilience within the Rivers State tech ecosystem.
Held on Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, at Astro Halls, the event was a bold statement on the value of local talent and the urgent need to elevate those often overlooked.
For Droomwork, a Talent and HR Tech company, the mission is clear: to groom, empower, and connect local tech professionals to global opportunities.
“This ecosystem is rich with talent, both young and experienced, but too often, they go unseen,” said Fenibo Fubara, founder of Droomwork and Special Assistant on ICT to the Governor of Rivers State. “The Face of Rivers Tech platform was born to change that narrative, to celebrate innovation, amplify potential, and reward excellence.”
The highlight of the night was the crowning of Chukwuebuka Ezirim Kingdom as the first-ever Face of Rivers Tech, an award that came with a groundbreaking prize package: a full plot of land in Port Harcourt, ₦5 million in product support, a brand ambassadorship, an administrative product role, and sponsored access to major tech and business events nationwide.
But the evening wasn’t just about competition. It was also about recognising individuals whose consistent contributions have shaped and nurtured the ecosystem over time.
Among a select few honoured with a Special Honorary Award was community builder and ecosystem advocate, Joy Nwaiwu, the only female awardee recognised.
Joy’s work has been instrumental in supporting talent development across Rivers State, particularly through the 3MTT (Three Million Technical Talent) initiative, a national effort focused on equipping Nigerian youth with in-demand digital skills.
Her recognition highlighted the vital role of inclusive leadership and long-term investment in community growth.
“The real win is seeing local talents take centre stage and thrive,” Joy remarked after receiving the award. “I’m proud to be part of the many community leaders working behind the scenes to make tech accessible and transformative for all. Platforms like 3MTT and Droomwork allow us to scale that impact.”
As conversations about ecosystem growth, digital transformation, and opportunity mapping continue, the Droomwork event provided a stage for authentic recognition, future-forward conversations, and powerful connections, laying a foundation for what’s to come in Rivers State’s tech evolution.
The message from the event was clear: The future of tech in Nigeria doesn’t only live in Lagos or Abuja, it’s growing steadily in cities like Port Harcourt, thanks to a vibrant network of determined talents, strategic thinkers, and passionate builders.
And this is just the beginning.
