Youths in Abia State have received training on how to excel in gaming, following the maiden edition of the Game Changer Fest, a technology-driven initiative designed to position young people to harness opportunities within the gaming industry.
The festival, themed “Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators,” was held in Umuahia and brought together gaming enthusiasts, tech experts, and aspiring innovators from across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of BetKing and Managing Director of KingMakers, Mr. Godson Ukawoke, said Abia was deliberately chosen to expose its talented youth population to the vast opportunities in gaming and its value chain.
Godson Ukawoke CEO Betking
According to him, the Game Changer Fest, which is a technology festival, was first launched in Lagos State, with the aim of building a community of gamers and innovators, while unlocking hidden potentials among young people.
He explained that gaming goes beyond entertainment, noting that it offers viable career paths similar to traditional sports.
“There is a life that can be created in gaming. Just as people build careers in sports, the same can be achieved in gaming. This initiative is expected to grow into a national platform soon”, Ukawoke said.
He further noted that participants at the festival would be engaged in competitions across three categories, with outstanding teams to be rewarded and supported in developing their ideas.
Ukawoke disclosed that through a partnership with the Abia Tech Hub, promising ideas from the festival would be nurtured, with opportunities for funding and broader exposure provided to participants.
“We are building a community of people already in gaming and those interested in joining. That is how innovation grows from one generation to another”, he added.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Abia Tech Hub, ThankGod Kalu, described gaming as a rapidly growing industry with significant economic potential.
ThankGod Kalu
He emphasized the need to change the perception that gaming is merely a distraction, stating that it represents the future of sports and digital enterprise.
“We are here to inspire our people to embrace gaming. In the near future, Abia has the potential to become a major hub in the gaming and tech ecosystem”, Kalu said.
In his remarks, the Founder of REACH Marketing and Advertising Company and partner to KingMakers, Mr. Solomon Nnanna, said the festival was designed not only to entertain, but also to expose young people to the business side of gaming.
Mr Solomon Nnanna
He called for a cultural reorientation, noting that misconceptions about gaming have caused many to overlook its economic benefits.
“Just like music was once seen as a distraction but is now a major source of income, gaming is gradually gaining prominence as a lucrative venture. Is no longer seen as a mere recreational, but a genuine pathway to economic empowerment”.
The event also featured a panel session where experts examined whether technology is just for fun or a real opportunity for young with discussions centering on exploring tech skills, gaming, esports, and entrepreneurship.
Participants further engaged in breakout sessions, brainstorming innovative gaming ideas with the potential for development and commercialization.
Our reporter gathered that the Game Changer Fest marks a significant step in promoting digital skills and innovation among youths in Abia State, while positioning gaming as a viable tool for economic growth and empowerment
