2024 Digital Challenge Will Leverage Technology To Tackle Nation’s Infrastructure Challenges- NITDA
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has said, the 2024 Digital Nigeria Innovation challenge would provide an opportunity for participants to leverage on technology to tackle pressing infrastructure challenges facing the nation.
The agency made this known on Thursday in a statement signed by the Director, Corporate Affairs and External Relations, Mrs Hadiza Umar in Abuja.
According to the statement, the challenge was launched through NITDA’s subsidiary the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), with the theme:Mapping Nigeria’s Future – Infrastructure for Development’’.
“This three-stage competition will run from September 11 until October 23, 2024. The final pitch event will take place on October 23, 2024 at the prestigious International Conference Centre in Abuja.
“The 2024 Innovation Challenge is set to empower the next wave of Nigeria’s brightest innovators. It’s more than just a competition; it’s an opportunity to leverage technology and creative problem-solving to tackle the pressing infrastructure challenges facing the nation.
“This initiative plays a pivotal role in achieving the core objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, driving economic growth and fostering job creation. Aligned with NITDA’s mission to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, the challenge supports Nigeria’s leap towards a thriving digital economy under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy’s Strategic blueprint.
“With a focus on building a future-ready digital Nigeria, participants will collaborate in teams, using digital tools and techniques to digitally map key infrastructure in across Nigeria. The maps will highlight essential facilities like hospitals, schools, roads, and utilities and provide insights needed to drive sustainable development across the country”.
Umar added that, “the 2024 Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge unfolds in three exciting stages:
“State Level: Competitors from all 36 states and the FCT will battle it out, with 37 teams moving to the next round.
“Regional Level: These qualifiers will represent their regions across 6 geo-political zones, with 6 regional winners emerging.
“National Level (Grand Finale): The regional champions will gather in Abuja for the ultimate showdown at the Digital Nigeria Conference.
“Each of the 6 regional winners will walk away with One Million Naira (₦1 Million) while the national winner will take home the Grand Prize of Five Million Naira (₦5 Million)!
“This challenge is more than just a competition; it is about building Nigeria’s future today. Participants will create comprehensive, data-driven maps that shine a light on critical infrastructure across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT. Key areas of focus include:
Healthcare: Mapping hospitals, clinics, and health centres.
Education: Identifying schools, colleges, and universities.
Transportation: Highlighting roads, bridges, and public transit.
Utilities: Pinpointing water supply, electricity, and waste management systems.
Public Services: Including police stations, fire stations, post offices, and government offices.
“Through this initiative, we aim to: Engage participants in real-world data collection and digital mapping.
Showcase critical infrastructure needs and opportunities in Nigeria. Foster community engagement among diverse groups of participants.
Enhance skills in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), data science, and storytelling among the youth and professionals.
“NITDA continues to shape Nigeria’s Information Technology landscape with innovative policies and standards. Through ONDI, we are creating opportunities for digital job creation, entrepreneurship, and innovation by nurturing the next generation of tech talent”.
