By Chioma Onuegbu Uyo

A group, Ibom Innovation Network, IIN, has announced that over 350 Akwa Ibom youths have completed their certification in Cyber security project management, user experience design, and e-commerce through its skills empowerment programme.

The IIN which is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and sustainable innovation ecosystem through collaborations, advocacy, and capacity building, disclosed that the 350 learners were among 500 that have received Google to access Coursera courses.

The President of the organisation, Mr. Hanson Johnson disclosed these weekend, while briefing newsmen on their remarkable achievements recorded through the annual Akwa Ibom Tech Week and her other programmes and interventions.

Johnson noted that during the 2024 Akwa Ibom Tech week coming up in the month of October,  innovative ways in which entrepreneurs especially operators of small businesses and startups could leverage technology and innovation to tackle challenges effectively would be discussed.

 He stated, “We note that the operating landscape in the country and the region is almost unbearable for businesses to survive. However, as innovators, we are consistently finding better ways of getting things done with technology, research and industry.

“While we note the tough economic climate, we are also celebrating the remarkable achievements that Ibom Innovation Network has recorded through Akwa Ibom Tech Week and her other ecosystem-wide programmes and interventions.

” On Google Scholarships. We’re proud to announce that 500 learners in Akwa Ibom, both young and old have received Google licences to access Coursera courses. Over 350 of the learners have completed certifications in project management, cyber security, user experience design, and e-commerce.

 “These skills empower our youths to contribute to the digital economy.

Through our member hubs and with support from the UNDP, we are to provide job placement for 1,500 youths.

   “We acknowledge that professional successes are largely dependent on leadership and soft skills. Through our mentorship programme, we are able to develop soft skills and leadership capacity of 150 cohorts in the last 10 months. Nigeria faces economic challenges, but resilience is our secret weapon.

“Resilience allows us to adapt, learn, and thrive even in adversity. Here’s how we can foster resilience: Policymakers must create an enabling environment by investing in infrastructure, education, and research. Tax incentives, grants, and regulatory frameworks can encourage startups and attract investors”

 Also speaking, the Publicity Secretary of IIN,  Idongesit Essien, noted that the 2024 Akwa Ibom Tech Week, with the theme, “Building Resilient Innovation Ecosystem”, would among other things present unique opportunity for startups to showcase their innovations, also empower the next generation of tech leaders and innovators, as well as address critical issues such as climate change, agriculture, healthcare and digital inclusion.

He added that the event would bring together visionaries, entrepreneurs, innovators, and stakeholders from across the globe to address the pressing challenges facing Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State through the transformative power of technology.

“As we navigate through an era marked by economic uncertainties, environmental challenges, and social upheavals, the need for resilient and adaptive innovation ecosystems has never been more critical” Essien asserted.