The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), through its dynamic subsidiary, the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), is set to launch the 2024 Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge.
This three-stage competition will run from September 11 until October 23, 2024. The final pitch event will take place on October 23, 2024 in Abuja.
According to the Director, Corporate Affairs and External Relations, NITDA, Mrs Hadiza Umar, the 2024 Innovation Challenge with the theme, “Mapping Nigeria’s Future – Infrastructure for Development’’ will empower the next wave of Nigeria’s brightest innovators.
In a statement announcing the event, she said, “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.”
NITDA stated: “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.”
She disclosed that the 2024 Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge will be in three 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.
She said that 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).
Umar explained that the challenge is more than just a competition stressing, “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.”
The statement outlined that key areas of focus which 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.
NITDA expressed confidence that through this initiative, it will 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.
