Writer: Osazemwinde Sunday
Nigeria has witnessed a significant surge in technology, and Edo State is no exception. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Edo State has attracted over $1.2 billion in foreign investments in recent years to fuel technological innovations.
With careful consideration and examination, Edo State stands poised for substantial progress in technological development and innovation, chiefly through the establishment of innovative tech hubs. Notable examples include Digihub NG, Edo Innovates, and Gig Innovative Hub, among others.
Key players in the tech hub scene in Edo State
Edo State Government: Under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki, Edo State launched its first state-owned Technology Hub, known as “Edo Innovates,” on June 14, 2018. This initiative aims to create job opportunities, support startups, and serve as an incubator for innovative ideas. Notably, Ukinebo, the head of Edo Jobs, reported that the hub has helped to award over 100,000,000 grants and funding and training programs since its inception.
Tech Enthusiasts and Entrepreneurs: Enthusiasts, such as GIG Innovations Hub funded by the Edwin Ajaere Foundation, are playing a vital role in empowering students in secondary and tertiary institutions. They offer annual curriculum programs covering web development and programming, fostering early technology adoption among students.
The Current State of Technology in Edo State
This current state showcases its increasing importance in government and private sector operations. On September 1, 2023, the Edo State civil service underwent a digital transformation, transitioning from paper-based to paperless operations. This shift was made possible by a 152 billion naira investment in digitalization in 2021, resulting in the digital archiving of six million documents.
Additionally, awareness of technology’s role in social change and development is on the rise. Initiatives like the Technology for Social Change and Development Initiative (Tech4Dev) and the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) conducted a workshop in Edo State, focusing on creating an action plan for adopting the digital jobs playbook to boost digital employment opportunities.
Recognizing the importance of education, the Governor introduced EdoBest, a technological innovation that equips teachers with tablet devices containing lesson notes, facilitating effective teaching and daily lesson delivery.
Benefits Brought About by Having a Tech Hub in the State
Access to Mentorship: Young and aspiring entrepreneurs can benefit from mentorship, gaining guidance and networking opportunities from experienced individuals, fostering their growth in the early stages of their ventures.
Job Opportunities: Edo Innovates, in particular, has a section called “Edo Jobs” that has significantly reduced unemployment among Edolites by providing vocational skills and employment opportunities, thus contributing to lower crime rates.
Supportive Environment for Startups: Tech hubs provide a conducive atmosphere for startups to thrive, ultimately contributing to the state’s technological ecosystem.
Edo State, although geographically central, is poised to become a technological powerhouse thanks to government and private initiatives in technology and innovation. It is a state to watch in Nigeria’s technological landscape.
Digihub’s Impact on Edo State’s Technological Ecosystem
Technology has firmly established itself in this current era and shows no inclination to let go easily. The fact that both government and private individuals have made substantial investments in this sector has fortified its presence.
In the endeavor to transform the technological ecosystem of Edo State, Digihub Tech Solutions has played a pivotal role.
Digihub Tech Solutions is a rapidly growing technological hub and business enterprise committed to creating innovative tech solutions in mobile app development, graphic design, animation, and web and software design.
Their primary objective is to enhance the technological ecosystem of Edo State, Nigeria, through training and workshops.
They offer a wide range of services, including web development, software engineering, tech training, and mobile app development, and provide training to individuals in these areas.
Osato, an intern with Digihub, had this to say: “My best tech education experience has been with Digihub. It’s a great place to learn.”
That’s not all; a client from Dubai, Emerald, testified that his website looks world-class because he chose Digihub for it.
Just imagine how different the coronavirus era would have been if Digihub hadn’t designed a mobile app for the Edo State Government to provide live coronavirus updates to the good people of Edo State.
What are your views on Digihub and the groundbreaking innovative tech solutions they bring to our everyday lives? As for me, I see Digihub breaking barriers and advancing to the next level in technological breakthroughs, thereby competing with the great technological hubs in the country.
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