Delta no dey carry last is a popular Nigerian vernacular (Pidgin) English expression that translates to “Delta does not accept defeat” or “Delta always comes out on top.”

It is a phrase used to describe the resilience, tenacity, and never-give-up spirit of the people of Deltans. Beyond being an expression, it is a statement of pride, confidence, resourcefulness, and determination to succeed in any situation they find themselves in that youths from and in the state have been widely recognised for.

In the past, Delta State has been plagued by negative stereotypes, even as corruption, poor infrastructure, and mismanagement have contributed to a narrative of a state in decline.

Though these challenges have not been totally eradicated, over the past decade there has been a significant shift in the narrative surrounding the state in the recent years, and the youths are driving this change with their innovative ideas, entrepreneurial spirit and technology.

The next step
Considering all the major benefits of technology investment, Nigeria has barely scratched the surface. Therefore, Delta State and Nigeria by extension should adopt foundational technology services to improve critical infrastructures such as equipment, facilities and structures upon which the capabilities of nations, cities and organisations are built.

There is no doubting of the fact, Nigeria’s technology ecosystem has witnessed the rise of numerous tech startups and innovation hubs, with Lagos, the commercial capital known as the “Silicon Valley of Africa.” These start-ups cover various sectors, including e-commerce, health tech, agritech, edtech, and transportation. E-commerce is flourishing, driven by the increasing internet penetration, widespread use of mobile phones, and a growing middle class.

Beyond these, Nigeria is also making strides in renewable energy, particularly solar power. However, the effect of poor infrastructure is clearly evident in different sectors, including the power sector, where total output currently stands between 3,500 mega watts (MW) and 5,000 MW for a population of over 200 million people, as against South Africa with about 50 million people and a total power output at about 60,000MW, mostly from coal-fired power stations.

While artificial intelligence (AI) and data science are gaining momentum, most universities and research institutions are yet to meet the speed by offering courses and conducting research in these areas.

Fortunately, the work has begun. As states like Lagos, Ogun, and Cross River are beginning to adopt smart city initiatives to enhance efficiency and improve the quality of life for residents, certain investments are also necessary for bringing communities to the 21st century.

In recent years, Delta State has experienced significant growth in its youth population and a surge of innovative ideas and entrepreneurship.

One of the factors fueling this growth is the consistent commitment by the government, several private institutions and public organisations to creating an enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.

It has the potential to revolutionise the agriculture industry in Delta State, ushering in a new era of profitability and growth.

In 2016, the Delta State Innovation Hub (DS-IHUB) launched its first open innovation hackathon, where applicants were required to pitch a solution to one of 14 ideas spread across these nine categories: e-government, e-health, e-agriculture, national security, cybercrime, oil & gas, education, environment and finances.

Since then, the state has added three additional tech hubs, all serving to accelerate capacity and digital skills across fields and spur innovation.

The state government has also introduced several initiatives and programs to support young people interested in starting and growing businesses. These initiatives include financial grants, mentorship programs, and access to training and educational opportunities.

Under the Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa administration, the state initiated several programs, including the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Program (YAGEP) and the Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Program (STEP).

In an interview with The Guardian, the Director-General of the Delta State Innovation Hub, Chris Uwaje, said “the establishment of innovation hubs was a prerequisite for current and future competitiveness and survivability.”

For Okwuehi Ogboi, a former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Special Duties under the Ifeanyi Okowa administration, nations must be re-tooled to meet the challenges of emerging, high-skilled and ICT-driven societies; they must establish new development strategies and responsive institutional frameworks and sustainable models.

He said, “Not all would make it from the 100 start-ups that would emerge. It might just be 50 per cent, which is half of the 100. If their solutions are very good and meet market requirements and need, that might lead to minimum employment of about 500 people.”

“Certainly, these opportunities are largely still small-scale enterprises, but with support and intensive marketing, the employment generation could run into thousands.

“But look at the notable individuals from our state – across the creative industries. These are people who are defying the odds and turning adversities into opportunities,” Okwuehi added.

He continued: “The youths are creative, innovative, and enterprising, but Delta State is set for decades of growth and development by leveraging technology and their education.”

Furthermore, the growth of innovation and youth entrepreneurship in Delta State is not just good news for the state but will have significant implications for Nigeria’s economic future.

The country has a large youth population; leveraging this demographic could transform the African continent. The experience in Delta State shows that with the right support, young people can drive innovation, create jobs, and build long-term economic prosperity.

With continued support and investment, young people can continue to generate ideas and implement innovative solutions to transform the state and, indeed the nation.

Okwuehi Ogboi, was former Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties under the Ifeanyi Okowa administration.