In an inspiring achievement, a team of four young girls from Jacobs Well High School in Port Harcourt has earned a prestigious spot among the 15 finalists in the World Technovation Girls Challenge. Their innovative project, AgriConnect, has not only won them the Special Prize for Combating Hunger but also secured their place in the World Summit finals in Silicon Valley, California, USA.
The World Technovation Girls Challenge is a global competition that empowers young girls aged 8-18 to harness technology to solve pressing community issues. This year, nearly 11,000 girls from 69 countries participated, developing 3,200 tech-based solutions.
Meet the Talented Team:
- Oghenemaro Tejiri (12)
- Salome Akhabhau (11)
- Excel Barile-Nwika (11)
- Goodness Nwonanne-Chima (12)
These remarkable girls, known as the Smart Elites, were guided by their mentor, Mr. Somkenechukwu Mamah, founder of Code Ambassadors. Code Ambassadors is an organization dedicated to training young minds aged 5-17 in technology, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship skills.
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About AgriConnect:
AgriConnect is a mobile application designed to tackle food insecurity in Nigeria by connecting farmers with available land spaces. This innovative solution aims to address a critical issue highlighted by a report from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, which states that 31.5 million Nigerians will face a food crisis and acute hunger between June and August 2024. The primary food-producing region in the North is currently unable to meet the country’s food needs.
Through AgriConnect, the Smart Elites aim to empower every region in Nigeria to produce its food. Their survey revealed that 86% of respondents were interested in farming but lacked the resources to start. AgriConnect bridges this gap by connecting farmers, nearby landowners, and seedling sellers, fostering local food production.
The Smart Elites competed against teams from Spain, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Canada, Kazakhstan, Japan, the United States, and 62 other countries. Their innovative approach and dedication have set them apart on the global stage.
Watch their journey:
Pitch Video
Demo Video
The World Summit finals in Silicon Valley will provide a platform for the Smart Elites to showcase their project and represent Nigeria and Africa. Their journey highlights the potential of young minds to create impactful solutions and drive positive change in their communities.
As these four girls prepare to take the global stage, their story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating the power of technology and innovation in addressing critical issues like food insecurity.