By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA mnipr
SchoolVille on Friday hosted its monthly Tech-Talk in Asaba, drawing youths, students, tech enthusiasts and key government stakeholders to a robust conversation on the future of technology-driven development in Nigeria.
Themed “From Policy to Prosperity: How Technology Can Accelerate Nigeria’s Prosperity,” the forum examined how sound policies, innovation and digital skills can fast-track economic growth in Delta State and the country at large.
The event featured a high-level panel comprising Mr. Rocky Ighoyota, Functioning Permanent Secretary, Delta State Ministry of Science and Technology; Mr. Jeffrey Obaro, Co-founder and Chief Technical Officer of 1 Time Shop; Mr. Henry Ugbechie, Director, Delta State Ministry of Trade and Investment; and Mr. Charles Omordia, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SchoolVille, as well as Chairman, Computer Society of Nigeria (CSN), Delta State Chapter.
Panelists emphasized that technology remains a critical driver of development, noting that young people are increasingly eager for digital knowledge and opportunities. They observed that while libraries once served as centres of research and learning, technology has now placed vast knowledge resources directly in the hands of users through mobile phones and laptops.
Discussions also focused on government policies that support technological growth, the bottlenecks hindering effective implementation, and the urgent need for policies that translate into real economic and social impact.
Speaking in an interview with journalists, Mr. Rocky Ighoyota said information and communication technology (ICT) occupies a high priority in the development agenda of the Delta State Government.
According to him, the state has consistently trained youths in ICT skills, adding that the government has now expanded its focus under the Governor’s “More ICTs, More Agenda” initiative, aimed at equipping citizens with practical digital skills for self-reliance.
“Technology is the way forward, and I encourage all youths in Delta State to embrace it. They should not only look at global trends but also pay attention to what is happening within the country and the state,” he said.
Ighoyota commended SchoolVille for organizing the Tech-Talk, noting that the platform exposed many students to vital policy and technology insights they would otherwise not have encountered.
Also speaking, Mr. Charles Omordia said the Tech-Talk was conceived to bridge information gaps and create a free, open platform where knowledge, opportunities and policy insights can be shared across communities.
“Across the world, community platforms help people discover, learn and network. SchoolVille Tech-Talk is our own contribution, a space where information from ministries like Science and Technology, and Trade and Investment, can be freely disseminated to the public,” he explained.
Omordia noted that Nigeria’s youths are highly talented but often lack access to the right platforms and leverage to thrive. He stressed that effective policies remain the key link between the public and private sectors, enabling faster growth and better governance.
He also called for greater government investment in digital infrastructure and skills development, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity, describing them as critical in today’s digital economy.
“If our youths are properly trained in technology, many of them can be meaningfully engaged, which ultimately translates to job creation and better citizenship,” he added.
On his part, Mr. Henry Ugbechie, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Trade and Investment, urged youths to take advantage of the vast opportunities in ICT to improve themselves and contribute to economic growth.
He said the Delta State Government is already leveraging technology by automating processes across ministries and reiterated the government’s readiness to support viable technology projects that align with the state’s industrial policy.
Participants at the event, including Goodness Osatowamehn and Maniwa Rita, praised SchoolVille for the initiative, saying the Tech-Talk expanded their knowledge, exposed them to policy discussions and provided valuable networking opportunities.
They described the programme as timely and impactful, especially for young people seeking direction in the fast-evolving digital landscape.