The Block-Scholars Africa, with sponsorship from BoundlessPay and Minara.AI, has successfully hosted the Abia Web3 and Digital Economy Conference 2025 (AWDEC2025), a major technology forum aimed at equipping Abia youths with knowledge of emerging digital trends.
Held recently at the Nobik International Events Centre, Aba, the conference drew tech enthusiasts and professionals from across Nigeria and beyond. Centred on the theme “Inspiring Possibilities,” the event explored opportunities within Web3, blockchain and the wider digital economy.
Mr. Raphael Omochor – President Block-Scholars Africa and Convener AWDEC2025.
In his address, the convener, Mr. Raphael Omochor, said AWDEC serves as a platform to inspire innovation, strengthen collaboration and empower young Africans. Describing blockchain as a transparent and secure digital ledger, he explained that Web3 represents a smarter, more decentralized evolution of the internet.
“These technologies are not just ideas; they are practical tools that can support financial inclusions, transform businesses, improve governance, empower young people and unlock new opportunities across the continent,” he said. He urged participants to “network with intention and explore new possibilities.”
Mr. Peter Ukonu—DG, Abia State Technological Skills Acquisition Center (ASTAC)
Delivering a keynote, Mr. Lucky Uwakwe, Africa Lead of Minara.ai Minara.AI, a major sponsor Represented by the COO Mr. Obinna Obidike, described the Minara.AI Virtual CFO as an artificial intelligence tool built to manage financial transactions across digital and traditional assets. He said the platform offers real-time intelligence on cryptocurrencies, stocks, DeFi, real-world assets and NFTs, describing it as “a 24/7 AI assistant for digital finance.”
Representing the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Development, Hon. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Mr. Ejiogu Anthony commended the organisers and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to youth empowerment. He noted that Governor Alex Otti’s administration is currently training 850 young people under the TechRise Cohort 2 programme, underscoring its dedication to preparing Abia youths for the global digital economy.
Hon. Ejiogu Anthony representing Hon. Onyebuchi Chukwu, SSA to the Governor on Youth Development.
The Director-General, Abia State Technological Skills Acquisition Agency, Mr. Peter Ukonu, also urged participants to apply the knowledge gained, adding that the governor is focused on bridging skills gaps, boosting industry readiness and integrating young people into the state’s development agenda.
The event featured an interactive question-and-answer session during which participants won various prizes and scholarships, followed by group photographs.
Franklin Peters Founder BoundlessPayMr. Lucky Uwakwe Founder SaBiPay Africa Lead Minara.ai
Dignitaries from government, academia and the tech ecosystem were also in attendance.
