Leverage tech expo platform to create wealth, jobs – Ogbuku

… as thousands gather in Rivers for Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2025

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku has urged the youths to seize the opportunities the annual Port Harcourt Tech Expo had provided them to create wealth and jobs.

Ogbuku advocated for massive investment in technology. He said the youths would secure their future. They need to take advantage of the tech expo platform.

The Managing Director spoke at the 2025 edition of the Port Harcourt Tech Expo. The event was held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The event, which held with the theme “Emergence” attracted 325,000 participants comprising 11,000 in physical attendance and 320,000 virtual participants.

The expo showcased groundbreaking innovations, fostered industry collaborations, and provided a platform for tech enthusiasts to engage with cutting-edge advancements.

The event was organised by TechNexus Limited. The NDDC acted as the lead sponsor. The Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), Pana Holdings, O.K. Isokariari and Sons, and others provided support. The event featured keynote speeches. There were interactive workshops. The exhibitions highlighted advancements in AI, robotics, blockchain, and cybersecurity. 

Ogbuku, who declared the event open, emphasised the importance of innovation in Nigeria’s digital transformation.

“Technology is the bridge to a prosperous future. We must embrace it, invest in it, and ensure it serves the needs of our people,” he said.

Addressing the youths, he added: “Start thinking today about how you can be useful to yourselves. Define your future first, and in defining your future, this is the platform.

“You can use the platform to challenge yourselves and know that there are no jobs out there. But this platform will secure your future. As young men, the government’s responsibility is to ensure that you are employed. It should also offer you good opportunities. Additionally, the government is creating platforms for you. These platforms will ensure you secure your future.

“No one else will plan for your future except you. We chose the option of creating these platforms so that you can take advantage of them.  As much as we can, we do our best to create these kinds of opportunities. We must embrace technology and apply it in a positive light.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola, represented by Engr. Nyoki Ita highlighted the role of local content in tech development.

He said, “Nigeria’s tech ecosystem must prioritise homegrown solutions to drive sustainable growth and global competitiveness”.

The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Pana Holdings, Dr. Daere Akobo, delivered a dazzling keynote focused on Digital sovereignty.

He made a striking comparison in his speech. He likened the cloud to God. He said, “God is the cloud and we just tap from it.”

The Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA)

Dr. Daks George Kelly spoke about the blue ocean strategy for tech entrepreneurship. He emphasised the importance of creating uncontested market spaces. This approach is better than competing in saturated industries. 

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Educate, Dr. Alex Onyia, emphasised innovation.

He said: “Africa’s tech future is bright. The next generation of innovators must seize opportunities and build solutions that transform industries”.

During the event, emerging entrepreneurs presented innovative solutions, attracting interest from investors and stakeholders. 

Experts debated the role of technology in shaping Africa’s digital economy, emphasizing the need for sustainable innovation. 

Participants engaged in practical sessions, exploring the latest developments in software engineering, fintech, and automation.

The Port Harcourt Tech Expo has become a catalyst for technological advancement in Nigeria. It bridges the gap between innovators and industry leaders.

Organisers expressed gratitude to sponsors, partners and attendees for their contributions to the success of the event. 

The expo featured vibrant traditional displays, celebrating Nigeria’s rich heritage and the intersection of culture and technology.