By 
Nigerian youths are being urged to actively engage with blockchain technology to enhance their global competitiveness. Adedayo Adebajo, co-founder of ICP Hub Sahara — an official branch of the Internet Computer Protocol ecosystem — emphasized the importance of this engagement during the second DecaHack cohort held at the University of Ibadan (UI) in Oyo State. DecaHack is an initiative run by ICP that offers online blockchain boot camps, hackathons, and a stage pitch competition with prizes.
Encouragement to Leverage ICP
Adebajo stressed that embracing blockchain technology is crucial for the country’s future. He highlighted the potential severe implications for Nigeria if it fails to keep pace with this technological advancement. The Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) is a public, smart contract-capable mainnet blockchain where developers can build decentralized applications (DApps) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Event Highlights and Objectives
The event brought together innovators, experts, and blockchain enthusiasts from across Africa to foster discussions, presentations, and networking aimed at advancing the continent’s technological landscape. Adebajo’s insights underscored the critical need for African youth to leverage ICP for their development and competitiveness.
Bridging Blockchain Interoperability
In a presentation titled “The Future of Interoperability: How Web3 Innovators Can Bridge the Gap Between Blockchain and DApps,” Ucheena Agams, Web3 ambassador for Arbitrum, explored how Web3 innovators could address the interoperability gap. He highlighted the potential of Web3 technologies to create seamless connections between different blockchain platforms. Agams also delved into the technical aspects of front-end development, emphasizing the crucial role of front-end developers in designing user interfaces and experiences for websites and applications. His session highlighted the importance of front-end skills in making blockchain technology accessible and user-friendly.
Support and Rewards for Startups
The competition organizers announced that the top five startups would receive up to $25,000 in equity-free grants. Winners will also progress to the national grand finale, Nigeria’s most prominent blockchain hackathon conference. Additionally, all finalists will receive advisory support, mentorship, and access to ICP grant applications.
A Vision for the Future
By encouraging Nigerian youths to engage with blockchain technology, the initiative aims to position them for future success in the global digital economy. This proactive approach is expected to boost technological innovation, contribute to nation-building efforts, and ensure Nigeria remains competitive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Comments