It was a wave of excitement at IGHub Aba as Team NHealthHub was crowned the winner of the 3MTT Impact Summit and Hackathon, taking home the coveted ₦500,000 grand prize.
The team’s innovative project, aimed at revolutionizing healthcare through technology, stood out among five competing teams with Team ImmuTech Pioneers securing the second-place prize of ₦150,000, while Team Verdeck claimed third place with ₦100,000.
The competitive atmosphere of the hackathon, organized by 3MTT Nigeria, an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), showcased the creativity and determination of Abia youths.
While the prizes added to the excitement, the event served as a platform for youths to demonstrate how technology can address critical societal challenges which aligns with the goals of 3MTT (Three Million Technical Talent), focusing on empowering youths with in-demand tech skills to drive innovation and solve real-world problems.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Engr. David Kalu, called on youths to align with emerging trends in technology, particularly by integrating Artificial intelligence (AI) into their skill sets.
“As IT professionals, you hold the power to create significant social impact. Use your skills to address pressing issues such as bridging the digital divide, enhancing cybersecurity, and promoting environmental sustainability.
“Develop technologies that contribute to Healthcare, Education, and accessibility. Volunteer your time and expertise to non-profit organizations and community projects.
“Your actions can spark ripple effects, leading to a more inclusive and better world”, he said.
The Commissioner also emphasized that graduates should prioritize community impact over immediate financial rewards and urged them to identify local challenges and leverage their newly acquired skills to solve them.
He encouraged the youths to continue building their expertise, pursue certifications, and aspire to make the world a better place.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Mr. Matthew Ekwuruibe, commended the efforts of everyone involved in the success of the program.
The Commissioner congratulated the graduating fellows, describing the tech industry as “the new oil well”.
He advised them to apply and practice the skills acquired during their training to achieve success.
In her address, the 3MTT Abia Community Manager, Miss Justina Nwokedi, expressed gratitude to key supporters, including the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani; NITDA, IHS, MTN.
She also acknowledged the sponsorship from the Abia State Government, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Economy, Miss Elizabeth Chibuzor, Seedronics Technology, Nmeri Foundation, Ezzynita Kitchen, Innovation Growth Hub, Softicu Tech Hub among others.
Miss Nwokedi highlighted the accomplishments of the 3MTT initiative, noting that over 31,270 individuals were trained in Cohort 1, with more than 4,000 micro job opportunities created.
She further revealed that over 1,000 participants won devices, including laptops, e-pads, and routers, while more than ₦100 million in prizes were awarded to participants in innovation challenges and hackathons.
“In Abia State alone, 655 fellows were trained in Cohort 1 and 1,127 in Cohort 2, drawn from Umuahia North and Aba South LGAs”, Miss Nwokedi stated.
She reiterated the program’s commitment to expanding into other local government areas in Abia State to ensure that every youth has access to the 3MTT program and urged youths to register for free training opportunities in fields such as Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Software Development, UI/UX Design, Data Science, Product Management, Game Development, and Animation.
Miss Nwokedi also appealed to the Government and stakeholders to collaborate with 3MTT to establish Tech Hubs and increase awareness through media sponsorship.
Responding on behalf of the graduating fellows, Miss Amarachi Ruth Iruke expressed her gratitude to the 3MTT organizers for their financial support.
Miss Iruke who recounted the challenges of balancing work and other engagements, noted that their resilience paid off, securing them the top prize.
The ceremony, which was graced by top Government Officials and prominent Tech Industry leaders, also featured a Raffle Draw.
