A call to action has been issued to Nigerian youths, urging them to actively engage with blockchain technology. This push for adoption stems from the recognition that blockchain proficiency is crucial for future success in the global digital economy.
The impetus for this initiative came from Adedayo Adebajo, co-founder of ICP Hub Sahara, the African branch of the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) ecosystem. Adebajo spoke at the second DecaHack cohort held at the University of Ibadan (UI) in Oyo State. DecaHack, an ICP-run program, offers online blockchain boot camps, a hackathon competition, and a stage pitch competition with prizes.
Why Blockchain Matters for Nigeria
Adebajo emphasized the potential consequences of neglecting blockchain technology. He stressed that failing to embrace this transformative technology could hinder Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global technological landscape.
For those unfamiliar, the Internet Computer is a public blockchain network that allows for the creation of smart contracts – self-executing digital agreements – and decentralized applications (DApps), which operate independent of a central authority. These capabilities position ICP as a platform for building innovative blockchain-based applications.
The DecaHack event serves as a platform for African innovators, experts, and blockchain enthusiasts to convene. It fosters discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities, all geared towards advancing the technological landscape of the continent.
Ucheena Agams, Web3 ambassador for Arbitrum, presented a session titled “The Future of Interoperability: How Web3 Innovators Can Bridge the Gap Between Blockchain and DApps.” Her analysis explored how Web3 innovators can address the challenge of interoperability, the seamless exchange of data and functionality between different blockchain platforms.
Agams’ presentation delved into the technical aspects of front-end development, highlighting the critical role front-end developers play in designing user-friendly interfaces for websites and applications. By emphasizing the importance of front-end skills, her session underscored the need to make blockchain technology accessible and user-friendly for a wider audience.
The DecaHack competition offers significant incentives for young Nigerian developers. The top five startups will receive up to $25,000 in equity-free grants. This financial support empowers them to further develop their blockchain-based ideas.
Winners will also progress to the national grand finale – Nigeria’s most prominent blockchain hackathon conference. This prestigious event provides a platform for these young innovators to showcase their talents to a wider audience and potentially secure valuable connections.
Furthermore, all finalists will benefit from advisory support, mentorship, and access to ICP grant applications. This comprehensive package of support aims to equip them with the resources and guidance needed to succeed in the blockchain space.
By encouraging Nigerian youths to engage with blockchain technology, initiatives like DecaHack aim to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the global digital economy. This proactive approach has the potential to fuel technological innovation within Nigeria, contribute to national development efforts, and ensure the country remains competitive in the ever-evolving technological landscape.
