Yet, SystemSpecs, a premier African technology group, is reshaping this narrative by actively harnessing technology’s transformative potential to empower young people.

Through its flagship initiative, the Children’s Day Essay Competition (CDEC), SystemSpecs provides a platform for youth to engage critically and creatively with technology, fostering leadership, resilience, and a vision for positive change.

This transformative power was vividly demonstrated at the 2025 CDEC National Awards Ceremony, hosted virtually by SystemSpecs on Friday, June 27, 2025.

The event celebrated Nigeria’s brightest young minds who dared to imagine a Greater Nigeria by using technology to mobilise and inspire their peers—underscoring SystemSpecs’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of visionary leaders.

The competition, now in its sixth year, has evolved into a national movement, inspiring critical thinking, leadership abilities and sense of patriotism among young Nigerians.

This year alone, it attracted about 5,000 essay submissions from children aged 9 to 16 across all six geopolitical zones, marking a significant 33 per cent increase in participation compared to 2024.

The CDEC is not merely a competition; it’s a testament to the belief that the youth, when empowered can shape their futures.

As Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, chairman of SystemSpecs Holdings Limited, eloquently stated during his opening address, “What we celebrate today is not just talent but courage. The courage to speak up, think deeply, and believe in the power of innovation.”

This sentiment was echoed by the young winners themselves. Adeomi Adesewa, the junior category winner, found the experience “deeply transformational”, expressing that “This competition showed me that what I write and imagine can truly matter”.

She added, “Even when I had to rewrite my essay many times, I never gave up. I now know that my words have power, and I want to use them to change my world.”

Similarly, senior category winner Okeke Chukwudumebi Daniel shared that “CDEC made me realise that the future does not wait for us, we step into it,” inspiring him to aim higher and do more:

“This award has taught me that when you are bold with your ideas and consistent with your efforts, doors will open. It has inspired me to aim higher and do more.”

Their stories, along with those of other participants like child actress and storyteller Darasimi Nadi, young software engineer Joshua Agoola, and CDEC alumnus Toluwase Shoniran, now a university student and machine learning developer, offer “living proof of the long-term impact CDEC can have on young minds.”

SystemSpecs’ unwavering commitment to youth empowerment through technology is at the core of the CDEC’s success.

Mrs. Bukola Adeboye, executive director, Corporate Services at SystemSpecs, reaffirmed the company’s longstanding commitment to youth empowerment through technology, stating,

“The goal of the CDEC has always been clear: to inspire, identify, and elevate the next generation of thinkers and problem solvers by promoting digital creativity, purposeful education, and structured engagement. Our dedication remains unwavering as we continue to equip and empower young Nigerian minds to thrive through innovation.”

This dedication is further reflected in the impressive breadth and diversity of this year’s competition. The top 50 finalists showcased the exceptional talent and promise of Nigeria’s youth, with representation from all six geopolitical zones. Increasingly, schools across the country are demonstrating strong buy-in by encouraging mass student participation, signaling growing engagement with the initiative.

Notably, girls accounted for 61 percent of submissions, underscoring the competition’s role in empowering young female voices nationwide.

Several states recorded female participation exceeding 90 percent, highlighting local enthusiasm and commitment to gender inclusivity.

The competition’s reach also extended to entries from orphanages and children with special needs, reaffirming SystemSpecs’ dedication to fostering inclusive opportunities for all young Nigerians.

The impact of CDEC extends beyond individual recognition. Winners in both categories received ₦1,000,000 each, along with laptops, a one-year internet subscription, and educational resources, while second and third-place winners received ₦750,000 and ₦500,000, respectively, along with laptops and additional prizes.

Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja, and Abesan Comprehensive Junior College, Lagos, were named the winning schools in the Senior and Junior categories, respectively.

Each Winning school received 10 laptops to support ICT training, as part of SystemSpecs’ youth-focused initiative to build ICT capacity.

Furthermore, twelve states recorded more than 100 per cent growth in submissions compared to the previous year, with over 15 schools submitting 20 or more entries, reflecting increased institutional and public sector involvement.

As Mr. ‘DeRemi Atanda, Managing Director of Remita Payment Services Limited, noted, “We see education not just as a tool, but as a launchpad for national transformation. CDEC is helping to build the intellectual and emotional capacity of young Nigerians to take ownership of the future.”

The 2025 CDEC is a powerful reminder that when young people are empowered with platforms, recognition, and encouragement, they do not just imagine the future, they begin to create it.

The post SystemSpecs Honours National Tech Champions at 2025 CDEC Awards Ceremony appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

For the sixth consecutive year, the CDEC will provide Nigerian children aged 9 to 16 a platform to showcase their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through the application of technology in addressing real-world issues.

As a cornerstone of SystemSpecs’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, the CDEC has, for the past five years, promoted technological awareness and fostered innovation among young Nigerians. The competition aims to nurture local talent and equip the next generation of leaders with the skills necessary to thrive in Nigeria’s digital economy.

Mrs. Bukola Adeoye, Executive Director of Corporate Services at SystemSpecs Holdings Limited, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming edition:

“For Nigeria to compete effectively on a global scale, the next generation must be equipped with the requisite technological skills from an early stage. Therefore, over the past five years, we have been dedicated to promoting technological awareness nationwide, highlighting the significance of initiatives like this in shaping Nigeria’s digital future through the CDEC. We are happy to announce that the upcoming edition of CDEC will provide all Nigerian children with another opportunity to explore technology and develop crucial skills for the future.”

With over three decades of experience in ICT development, SystemSpecs has continually invested in nurturing young talent, helping to create sustainable change in the tech sector.

This competition reflects the company’s long-term vision of promoting technological literacy and capacity development, positioning Nigeria to compete globally in the digital economy.

The competition, which has become increasingly competitive, is expected to attract participants from all 36 states and the FCT, as students are eager to showcase their innovative ideas.

The next edition promises to engage new schools, students, and parents while continuing to inspire thousands of young minds across the country.

CDEC has gained widespread national acceptance, drawing participation from both public and private schools across Nigeria.

The competition has seen a significant increase in entries, particularly from female students, aligning with global initiatives like Girls in ICT. As part of its impact, the competition has influenced millions of students, helping them build confidence, creativity, and a passion for technology.

As SystemSpecs gears up for the 2025 edition, Mrs Adeboye emphasised the company’s excitement about engaging with new students, schools, and parents:

“This competition is becoming increasingly competitive, and we look forward to even greater participation next year. It’s a unique opportunity for students to explore technology and develop essential skills that will empower them for the future.

The post SystemSpecs Announces Date for Sixth Children’s Day Essay Competition appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

‘Deremi made this call while representing John Obaro, the Group Managing Director, SHL, as the Keynote Speaker at the 6th Lagos Business School (LBS) MBA Entrepreneurship Expo and Contest held recently.

The event celebrates and rewards innovative business ideas and it featured five exceptional MBA students from different LBS programmes.

During his presentation titled “Shaping the Future of Business”, ‘Deremi encouraged entrepreneurs to break barriers and embrace change so as to play their part in shaping business for the future.

He added: “Business owners and managers are to pay attention to customers’ changing needs, technological advancements, deliberate value creation, and the influx of a new generation of workers, as these are critical levers that will shape businesses in the future”.

Identifying the hurdles that dot the Nigerian business landscape, he shone a spotlight on the boundless prospects for growth and triumph that the country holds, thereby urging entrepreneurs to embrace resilience, adaptability, and innovation as indispensable traits in the face of adversity.

“Engaging in business endeavours within Nigeria may initially appear daunting; however, it simultaneously unveils substantial avenues for growth and prosperity.

“Nigeria, being a country with emerging potential for business expansion, holds a promising future. As ambitious young professionals, you possess the extraordinary capacity to influence and shape the ever-evolving landscape of the business world,” ‘Deremi remarked.

Using the impressive trajectory of Remita, he described the company’s successful emergence despite the difficulties posed by the adversities against the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

The TSA has since been recognised as one of the finest governmental choices in the past decade.

“In the midst of turbulent times, the profound understanding of our core values acts as a guiding compass that propels us forward in any crisis. By effectively communicating with experienced professionals and fostering a culture of collaboration, we strengthen our path to success,” ‘Deremi stated.

Deremi Atanda ‘s leadership and innovative thinking have propelled Remita Payment Services Limited (RPSL) to the forefront of Nigeria’s fintech revolution.

Remita is an electronic payment solution that empowers individuals and businesses in Africa.

Since its establishment in 2005, Remita has garnered acclaim both domestically and internationally, including accolades such as Best Lending Support Service Provider and Best Corporate Payments Platform from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2022, among others.

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