Unemployment: Experts Empower 1,500 With Tech Skills

Technology experts converging in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital have expressed concern over high level unemployment amongst the youth population, noting that if not curbed, the active population remains vulnerable to crimes and other anti – social activities.

Addressing a forum of over 1,500 undergraduates and secondary school students at the BlockChain summit held at Ibom Hall, Uyo, the state capital, at the weekend, Comrade Ukpono Esinwang, a tech enthusiast and chairman of the summit, identified technology innovations as an easy way to address the challenges of unemployment and youths’ restiveness in the country.

He explained that the essence of establishing the BlockChain technology initiative, was to make Akwa Ibom State the hub for showcasing the inherent potentials abound in technology and their applications for business and other every – day activities for growth, development and progress of the people and society.

He said: “Our journey began with a bold vision to establish Akwa Ibom as a hub for Blockchain innovation, to educate, inspire, and empower individuals with the limitless possibilities that liberalises technology solutions, today, that vision is no longer a dream. It is a movement, a declaration that Africa will not be left behind in the technological revolution.

“Reflecting on Our Journey In 2024, we made history together. Over 2,000 participants engaged with 15 industry experts, demystifying Blockchain technology and unlocking new avenues.

From in-depth discussions on Decentralised Finance (DeFi) to exploring career pathways in Web3, and from interactive workshops to real-world case studies, IBS 2024 proved that Africa is not just a consumer of technology; we are builders, creators, and innovators.

“We heard inspiring testimonies that reinforced our mission: A young developer who attended last year’s summit is now a full-time Web3 engineer.

“An entrepreneur who sat in these seats launched a blockchain-powered business. A university student who once doubted this technology is now leading Blockchain education initiatives on campus.

This is why we are here today. Because the revolution is real. Because Blockchain is not just a buzzword, it is not a passing trend; it is the cornerstone of a new digital economy, one that Africa must lead and Akwa Ibom must be part of.

“With Ibom Blockchain Summit 2025, a  new chapter begins this year with the theme,; ‘The Odyssey,’ signifying our collective journey beyond the realms of speculation and hype.

‘This summit will explore Blockchain’s evolution, its current realities, and the road ahead. Over the next four days, you will experience it,” he said.

In the same vein, other resource persons including Senator Iheyen, of the Infusion Lawyers, stressed the need for the participants to deploy knowledge garnered in various key technology areas to improve businesses and other endeavours to become independent agents of societal change.

He noted that several reforms shaping the world are technology-driven and charged the beneficiaries to utilize the positive multiplier effects of the training  for human growth and societal development.