Tech firm Droomwork has launched the Tech Talent Contest 2025 (Rivers Edition) to discover and promote local tech talent in Rivers State.
The initiative, which is part of Droomwork’s broader commitment to connecting African talent with global opportunities, aims to identify skilled individuals in the tech space and offer them visibility and access to remote jobs worldwide.
Founder and convener of the contest, Mr. Fenibo Fubara, said the initiative was borne out of the need to bridge the gap between hidden local talent and global tech platforms.
He noted that while talent is globally distributed, opportunity is not, and stressed the importance of ensuring that people with skills, regardless of their location, are given the chance to grow and contribute meaningfully to the global tech industry.
Droomwork, a tech talent acquisition and human resource company, stated that the contest aligns with its goal of nurturing local talent by connecting them with industry mentors, clients, and resources
The company added that many young innovators in Rivers State remain under-recognized despite their capabilities, and that the contest seeks to provide a platform for their skills to be showcased and rewarded.
The Tech Talent Contest attracted 81 participants, generated over 60,000 online impressions, and saw a total of 6,624 votes cast. Eight contestants emerged as finalists. At the end of the contest, Chukwuebuka Ezirim Kingdom was announced the winner and became the first recipient of the Face of Rivers Tech Talent Award.
Ezirim was awarded a plot of land in a Port Harcourt estate, ₦5 million in product support, and an appointment as an administrative consultant on a tech product.
He was also named brand ambassador for Droomwork and will attend four major business and tech events within and outside Port Harcourt, with all expenses covered. In addition, he will play a role in using technology and advocacy to promote Rivers State on the global stage.
The award ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, entrepreneur and former commissioner Eze Sir Mike Elechi, CEO of Utiva Inc, Eyitayo Ogunmola, National Chairman of NIMENA, Engr. Eferebo Sylvanus, former Head of Department of Computer Science at Rivers State University, Prof. Vincent Anireh, CEO of DConsiglories LLC, Mr. Blessing Fubara, former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Charles Beke, and NITDA South-South Director, Mr. Ben Ewah.
Other key judges at the event included Mr. Stephen Onerhime, CEO of Approvia; Mr. Uche Aniche, convener of StartupSouth; Mr. Bruce Lucas, CEO of Olotu Square; Prof. Matthias Daniel, Chairman of the NCS Port Harcourt Chapter; Mrs. Mary Matthew, CEO of Cloudnotte; and Mrs. Tonye Briggs, CEO of Port Harcourt in Pictures.
Droomwork also presented several honorary awards to individuals who have made significant contributions to the tech ecosystem in Rivers State. Honourees included Mr. Solomon Eseme for Tech Talent Catalyst, Hon. Prince Charles Beke for Tech Visionary for Youth Inclusion, Mr. Ibifuro Asawo for Public Sector Digital Transformation, Mr. Charles Samuel for Heart of Tech Ecosystem, Miss Joy Nwaiwu for Community Impact Champion, and Mr. Uche Aniche for Regional Innovator in Startup Development.
The Droomwork Tech Talent Contest is expected to become an annual platform for identifying and promoting grassroots tech talent in Nigeria. Through this initiative, Droomwork reinforces its commitment to building a bridge between emerging tech professionals and the global digital economy.
