By Angela Nwanodu:
The Google Developers Group Onitsha (GDG) has indicated interest to partner and collaborate with the Anambra State ICT Agency. This disclosure was made by the group during a courtesy visit to the ICT Agency on Thursday, 15th February 2023.
The group claims that this alliance is necessary because of their intention to support Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the governor of Anambra State, in his push for the widespread adoption of technology in the State.
The Google Developers Group Onitsha (GDG), according to Mr. Jeremiah Nwite is a non-profit group in Anambra State who use Google Technologies to impact lives by organizing conferences, meet ups and trainings to inspire young developers. “We are a platform where local software developers, professionals in the Tech space including IT (Information Technology) enthusiasts in the tech space meet, interact and build contacts for partnerships” He added.
Another member of the GDG team, Mr. Maduka Kennis, outlined their impact to date and stated that since the Chapter was founded in 2019, they had increased from a community of 20 developers to over 250 active members.
This also comprises highly qualified professionals employed by both domestic and foreign businesses. “We also have entrepreneurial community members who have successfully founded and are running their own startups while creating value and opening employment opportunities for many others” said Mr. Maduka.
In addition, Mr. Maduka mentioned that they have been able to raise awareness of the existence of a community of skilled software developers and designers in Onitsha. “Young IT enthusiasts and those looking to pursue careers in the field now know where to go”. He added.
Mrs. Happiness Afobuike on the other hand explained the concept of their initiative, “Women in Tech,” which aims to educate women about technology to increase the number of women participating in a male-dominated field.
“One of the female trainees, who had little prior experience in technology, found a passion for it through the program, developed her abilities, and is now employed as a software developer in Germany” she added.
Afobuike also said that GDG seeks partnership with the ICT Agency in the following areas: provision of space and media coverage for their events, building capacity to teach software programming in the regional dialect on Facebook and YouTube; establishing connections with Ministry of Education to foster holiday digital courses in the local dialect for students.
“We are already working on ‘the Ilu Igbo App’ with a programmer and former presenter with a popular radio station in the state; we want this and more programs to be accessed freely on the digital space.” Said Afobuike.
In response, the ICT team requested the GDG Onitsha team to formalize their requests to the agency adding that Governor Soludo’s administration is always willing to work with like-minded individuals and groups who can help realize his vision of technology being used everywhere in the state.
For further details, please visit HERE and sign up to receive our newsletter.
