Gov. Otti Applauds Innovation, Urges Collaboration Between Hackathon Winners and Government ICT Team
In a bold move to encourage innovation and empower tech-savvy youths in Abia State, Governor Alex Otti welcomed the champions of the 2025 Civic Connect Hackathon to the Executive Council Chambers on Monday. The visit was marked by vibrant presentations of groundbreaking digital solutions and a firm commitment by the government to integrate youth-driven technology into public governance.
The Civic Connect Hackathon, a collaborative initiative by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Economy, was designed to harness the ingenuity of Abia’s young minds. The competition challenged participants to create civic-tech solutions that can improve governance, citizen engagement, and transparency in service delivery.
During the event, Governor Otti commended the participants for their brilliance, stating that "Abia youths are brimming with untapped potential." He praised the hackathon as a model platform that fosters creativity and innovation, stressing the need for continued support and expansion of such initiatives.
In a strategic directive, Governor Otti tasked the Honourable Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. David Kalu, and the State’s Chief Information Officer to collaborate with the winning teams. Their goal: to ensure that key components of the showcased innovations are integrated into the State’s ICT Solution Platform currently in development.
The winning teams, introduced by Commissioner Kalu, had the opportunity to present their projects to the full State Executive Council. Each team delivered impressive solutions:
Oluora – A web-based solution developed by Team Alpha led by Charles Mark. Oluora bridges the communication gap between citizens and the government in real-time, facilitating direct engagement and transparency.
iAbia – A hybrid web and mobile app by BluTech Innovations (Franklin Isaac, Innocent Chidinma, and Emeka Victor). The platform enables real-time tracking of government activities and allows citizens to offer feedback, enhancing accountability and trust.
Voice Out – A civic engagement platform that empowers citizens to report issues like bad roads, electricity problems, and security concerns. The tool encourages real-time dialogue between the government and residents, promoting responsive governance.
The State Executive Council members, present at the demonstrations, expressed enthusiasm over the depth of innovation and pledged support for further development.
Speaking after the event, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, emphasized the administration’s resolve to build a technology-driven governance ecosystem that not only includes the youth but is powered by their ideas.
This initiative reflects Governor Otti’s broader vision to digitize governance in Abia, make government processes more transparent, and position the State as a hub for digital innovation in Nigeria.
