The third edition of the Young Techies Festival, held on July 20, 2024, at the Atrium Event Center, Stadium Road, Port Harcourt, was a resounding success, drawing over 900 participants aged 8-17.
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The event organised by Code Ambassadors and supported by silver sponsors, Market Square, CESA, and the RIO Foundation, the festival brought together young tech enthusiasts, parents, and educators for a day of innovation, exploration, and inspiration.

The event saw more than 1,200 registrations, highlighting the growing interest in technology among Nigerian kids. Participants engaged in a range of enriching activities designed to spark creativity and nurture problem-solving skills, including tech talks, exhibitions, games, and an inspiring hackathon competition.

Kicking off the event was a free eye check for the first 100 attendees, conducted by Lotag Eye Clinic, setting the tone for a day packed with exciting and educational experiences. Industry leaders, Stewart Ezekiel Jr., Karla Obakpolor, and Honour Amadi delivered impactful tech talks, offering insight into the evolving tech landscape and inspiring the young audience.
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One of the festival’s highlights was the hackathon competition, where participants showcased their innovation and tech skills. The top three winners were awarded laptops, routers, and three-month data subscriptions courtesy of CESA and Market Square.
Additionally, the winners received scholarships to attend the Code Ambassadors holiday code camp, further nurturing their tech talents.

In his address, Somkene Mamah, founder of Code Ambassadors, emphasized the importance of fostering a strong tech ecosystem in Nigeria. “Children are like arrows, and how far they go depends on how well you shoot them,” he said, encouraging parents and guardians to support their children in becoming digitally literate and prepared for the future of technology.

The festival concluded with participants exploring exhibition stands, where they interacted with virtual reality headsets and 3D printers, offering them a hands-on glimpse into the world of cutting-edge technology. The event underscored the importance of nurturing the next generation of tech innovators in Nigeria, equipping them with the skills and passion to lead in the digital age.
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