By Funmilayo Adeyemi
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with the Anambra State Government through the Solution Innovation District (SID) to establish a cutting-edge Makerspace.
This is disclosed in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday by Christabel Chanda-Ginsberg,
Public Engagement, Outreach and Partnerships Lead, UNDP.
Chanda-Ginsberg said the 2024 Anambra Innovation Week was officiated by the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo and the UNDP Programme Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah.
According to her, the initiative aligns with Governor Soludo’s visionary agenda of “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere” and aims to empower youth, drive innovation, and foster economic growth across the state.
She said the Makerspace was designed to democratise access to entrepreneurship and technological innovation.
” It will create pathways for improved livelihoods by providing young people with the resources, skills, and collaborative environments to bring their ideas to life.
“The Anambra Makerspace, strategically located in Awka, will prioritise inclusivity, with special programmes tailored for young women, persons with disabilities, individuals with low literacy skills, and youth in underserved areas,” she said.
She quoted Soludo during the launch of the Makerspace to have said that the Makerspace would unlock new opportunities, drive economic growth, and empower local talent.
” I believe that technology is the bridge to a prosperous future, and we are immensely delighted to embark on this journey with UNDP.
” Our long-term vision is to raise a powerful Anambra Digital Tribe who will drive economic transformation through innovation, position Anambra as Africa’s Silicon Valley and make a significant impact on the global stage,” he said.
He added that the Makerspace would provide young entrepreneurs with the tools and resources needed to turn ideas into tangible prototypes, facilitating the testing and refinement of products.
In her remarks, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative, expressed that the groundbreaking ceremony was a landmark for young entrepreneurs, artisans, and innovators of the state and region at large.
While reflecting on the significance of Nigeria’s youthful population, she expressed that its talented youth were an invaluable asset, hence the ability to create and innovate locally was not just a matter of choice.
Attafuah acknowledged the support of the Anambra state government and private sector partners, dedicated to ensuring the Makerspace remained sustainable, accessible, and impactful.
“The Makerspace puts young women, persons with disabilities, persons with low literacy skills and those living in non-urban areas at the forefront, for economic growth synonymous with social progress – leaving no one behind.”
Also, the Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Innovation and Business Incubation, Chinwe Okoli, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.
” The Solution Innovation District is designed to attract opportunities like this from leading institutions, further cementing Anambra’s position as a hub for innovation and creativity.”
The Makerspace is a highlight of the upcoming Anambra Innovation Week 2024, scheduled for November 25–29, 2024.