By EMEKA AGINAM

The Information Technology Developer Entrepreneurship Accelerator, (IDEA) in partnership with the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON) have concluded arrangements to stage a world class Software Hackathon kicking off today at the Tinapa Knowledge City, Calabar, Cross River State

The event aims to correct the misconception of ‘what a Hacker is and what it is not’ and propagate the core values embedded in the concept and passion of technology innovation and creative thinking, through the Hackathon platform.

The objective of the forum is to expose Nigerian Software Startup Developers to experience a superlative software coding baptism incorporating entrepreneural business model with impact to leapfrog them into the next level of global development.

The event is designed to inspire and add tremendous value to youthful Software Developers and equip them with 21st Century new skills.

While iDEA is the Chief Promoter of the Hackathon, ISPON will facilitate and provide Professioinal Technical support for the event.

The event, according to the organizers will instill Team Work Development based on sustainable business plan – which is designed to attract Venture Capitalist and Angel Investors who have an eye for the winning business of the near future.

According to Chris Uwaje, President ISPON, the Hackathon was coming on the background that the Hon. Minister of Communication Technology. – Mrs. Omobola Johnson has worked tirelessly to establish a Technology Knowledge Incubator in Tinapa while tasking iDEA to ensure that the facility is operational within the shortest possible time.

He said that when the initiative was viewed against the backdrop that Senator Liyel Imoke, the Governor of Cross River State has for many years endorsed and supported the National Software Competition organised by ISPON for the Tertiary Institution – aimed at discovering and building Code Warriors and Startups.

For Kevin McArthur, Herb Lainchbury and Donna Horn (Open Data Hackathon Guide) , the Jargon File. Hacker is a Noun and means. “A person who enjoys exploring the details of programmable systems and stretching their capabilities, as opposed to most users, who prefer to learn only the minimum necessary.” The word “Hackathon” comes from combining the words ‘Hack’ and ‘Marathon’, and implies a long sprint to create something useful in a single event.

Furthermore, the Hacker Ethic originates from the early days of the computer revolution. Indeed, to call someone a “Hacker” is viewed as a compliment. The Hacker Ethic centers around the principle that information should be free [as in speech], and that people should have the freedom to repurpose everyday devices in new and unexpected ways.