As a way of developing what they call a disruptive innovations that can effect lasting socioeconomic interventions in Oyo state, the Hack Oyo team in collaboration with The Office Of The Special Adviser on ICT, held a Hackathon last week
Presentations on key arrears were made by a handful of budding hackapreneurs to a panel of judges comprised of representatives from both the public and private sector, and the academia.
The first day of the event witnessed a quite engaging opening remark by the Hon. Commissioner for Finance in the state, Mr Bimbo Adekanmbi.
Speaking to the surprise of the hackers, the tech-savvy accountant gave an insight into how their creativity could effect smarter Oyocentric solutions, challenging them to create such disruptions, while also looking beyond what the private and public sector can offer.
He assured them that good ideas would surely get scaled and funded, adding that he would leverage on his position to ensure that issue of finance is addressed.
The second day built on the tempo as all hands were on deck as the hackers held sway to pitch their solutions.
Mentors across tech sectors in the country came in to provide some valuable insight to further sharpen their approach to solutions. Among them were the co-founder of music.com.ng, Mr Damola Taiwo, CEO of the first Agro-Allied infotech company in Oyo state, Mr. Okediji Ayo, Professor R.A Raji, Dean Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan and a host of others.
Chief among the mentors was the Special Adviser to the Governor on ICT, Mr Niyi Ajao, whose presence charged up the room, especially as he talked practical examples on how technology has been infused into Oyo happenings from a government perspective.
Ajao spoke extensively on technical issues bothering on delivering scalable solutions taking into consideration Nigeria’s internet penetration rates and the growing adoption of technologies such as USSD.
He challenged participants to consider nations like Ireland that have successfully utilized technology to transform its economy and create knowledge jobs and opportunities.
He further reiterated the need for Oyo state techies to leverage on the state governments ‘Digital Economy’ drive to reposition the economy of the state.
The SA led discussions on the importance of the Technology Incubation Center, Technology Towers, E-governance initiative and the ongoing rollout of the state’s safe city initiative with Huawei and the endless IOT opportunities for the developer community.
Solutions pitched include an iPoultry portal which intends to provide web extension services to livestock business in Oyo state. Another solution leveraged waste management and proposed conversion into thermal sources of energy using digesters. Oyo Villa is a web based real estate and propriety management solution while e-GRight is an advocacy app addressing issues of girl child abuses and access to education.
To wrap up the quite eventful 2-day meet, the panel adjudged that all the ideas should be allowed incubation for at least 2 months, after which the participants will to be re-invited for a product demo.
