By Egufe Yafugborhi

UYO – OVER 4500 undergraduates and secondary school students have been empowered on Web3, Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and AI applications over a three day intensive training marling 2025 Ibom Blockchain Summit in Akwa Ibom state.

Themed ‘The Odyssey”, organisers say this years summit aimed at empowering the next generation with cutting-edge tech skills to youth unemployment and the growing vulnerability to crime and social vices.

Summit Chairman, Ukpono Esinwang, said the development further served to position Akwa Ibom state as emerging tech hub for advancing solutions boost business and everyday activities for growth, development and progress of the people and society.

Esinwang said, “Our journey began with a bold vision to make Akwa Ibom a blockchain innovation hub. Today, that vision is no longer a dream. It is a movement. Africa will not be left behind in the technological revolution”.

Orok Godspower, Convener and
Country Manager, CoinEx recalled that last year’s summit witnessed participation of over 2,000 attendees and 15 industry experts, resulting in tangible success stories that have shot 2025 edition to witnessing over 4500 participants with several industries keying into it.

Among gains being recorded, he listed that, “A young developer who attended last year’s summit is now a full-time Web3 engineer. An entrepreneur who sat in these seats has launched a blockchain-powered business.

“A university student who once doubted this technology is now leading blockchain education initiatives on campus. These stories prove we are not just consumers of technology, but builders, creators, and innovators.”

He urged participants to take advantage of the limitless opportunities that blockchain technology provides included financial inclusion, business automation, and digital security.

Senator Iheyen of Infusion Lawyers, highlighted the transformative power of technology in shaping global economies, urging participants to apply knowledge to drive business efficiency, enhance digital transactions, and create self-sustaining employment opportunities.

Speaking on Web3 Careers: Building Globally, Felix Chisom, outlined diverse career paths in blockchain development, smart contracts, and tokenization as Lucie Ekong, enlightening on AI as ‘Tool for Economic Optimization and Efficient Delivery’ touched ono how AI can revolutionize business models and boost efficiency in various sectors.

The event also featured interactive workshops, real-world case studies, panel sessions, a special “Designing the Future” segment on UI/UX storytelling in blockchain, various cultural performances, music, Culture Night with blend of delicacies and a tour around capital city Uyo.