TEAM Nigeria has emerged
winner in Technovation Challenge world pitch which held at San Francisco,
USA. The winning team comprised of four brilliant girls: Praise David-Oku,
Sonam Kumar, Nmesoma Ogbonna, and Grace Akpoiroro as they developed a mobile
app to tackle waste disposal challenge in Nigeria. They pitched their app
called, ‘Discardious’.
Mrs. Martha Alade, Founder of
WITIN and Coordinator of the program in Nigeria enthused that this years’ team
was exceptional and has done Nigeria proud. Their solution solves a
major problem in Nigeria. This is the first time a Nigerian team would come
first globally in Technovation World Pitch.
Grace Ihejiamaizu, an
International Exchange Alumni and founder of iKapture Networks, who
mentored the winning team said they faced a lot of challenges on their
way to success but overcame.
64 countries participated in
the competition with 380 apps submitted, 10 teams from all over the world were
given the opportunity to explain their project in form of a pitch and tell
their app story in a creative way. The girls also attended life-changing
workshops including a networking session.
One of the team members,
Praise David-Oku, who spoke for the team, said the competition has totally
changed their views of technology. “It has given our team a platform to use
technology to solve problems in our community.
It has also motivated us to
think outside the box. It has boosted my self-confidence and helped me build
new relationships and networking skills. I have met new people from different
parts of the world and shared ideas. It has also made me realize that I am not
too young to start achieving my goals.
Sonam, one of the team members
said: “It was wonderful, tough and very competitive. It was challenging for us,
as we met and listened to people from different parts of the world tell their
stories and share their powerful ideas. Above all, we learnt a lot of things
about coding, networking and public speaking.
It was a very wonderful
experience. She emphasized that Parents should enrol their girls in computer
programmes at a tender age. Provide technology gadgets for use at home. Allow
and encourage them to participate in technology competitions and programs.
Encourage them to pick and study science related courses
The team unanimously professed
that this is only the beginning of something big. “We are going to empower,
build and guide young girls to participate in the next Technovation
competition. We will launch our app and work on our project to solve pressing
challenges in Nigeria. Technovation in Nigeria has come to stay for good”.
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