Nigerian youths have been urged to actively engage with blockchain technology to enhance their global competitiveness, particularly in internet Computer Protocol (ICP).
Adedayo Adebajo, Co-founder of ICP Hub-Saharan, stressed the importance of this engagement during the Second DecaHack Cohort, held at the University of Ibadan (UI) in Oyo State.
Encouragement to leverage ICP
Adebajo emphasized Nigerian youths’ need to adopt ICP to avoid falling behind in global advancements. He highlighted that failing to embrace these technological innovations could have severe implications for the country’s future.
ICP is a blockchain-based protocol that enables the creation of decentralized applications (DApps) and smart contracts. It supports various use cases, including decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, social media, and more.
The event, which brought together innovators, experts, and blockchain enthusiasts from across Africa, aimed to foster discussions, presentations, and networking to advance the continent’s technological landscape.
DecaHack is an innovative competition that unites students from 10 universities across sub-Saharan Africa. It provides participants with the tools needed for decentralized application (DApp) development and empowers them to innovate using ICP.
Adebajo’s comprehensive overview of ICP covered its features, applications, and potential use cases, aiming to foster technological innovation and creative problem-solving skills among Nigerian youth.
Bridging blockchain interoperability
In his presentation, “The Future of Interoperability: How Web3 Innovators Can Bridge the Gap Between Blockchain and DApps,” Ucheena Agams, Web3 Ambassador for Arbitrum, analyzed how Web3 innovators could address the interoperability gap. His insights underscored the potential of Web3 technologies to create seamless connections between different blockchain platforms.
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Agams delved into the technical aspects of front-end development, illustrating the crucial role of front-end developers in designing user interfaces and experiences for websites and applications. His session highlighted the importance of front-end skills in making blockchain technology accessible and user-friendly.
The competition’s organizers announced that the top five startups would receive up to $25,000 in equity-free grants. Winners will also move on to the national grand finale, Nigeria’s most prominent blockchain hackathon conference. Additionally, all finalists will receive advisory support, mentorship, and access to ICP grant applications.
By encouraging Nigerian youths to engage with blockchain technology, particularly ICP, the initiative aims to position them for future success in the global digital economy. This proactive approach is expected to boost technological innovation, contribute to nation-building efforts, and ensure Nigeria remains competitive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
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