Tech Industry Aims to Rebrand Bonny Island, Famous for Crude Oil, as a Hub for Technological Advancements
Technoville: Empowering the Youth of Bonny Island and Shaping Nigeria's Tech Future
In the heart of Bonny Island, off the coast of Rivers State, a vibrant tech ecosystem is taking shape. Technoville, a local organization founded in 2018, is spearheading this transformation, aiming to make Bonny Island known for technology, not just oil.
Richard Pepple, Technoville's founder, was inspired to build this tech ecosystem after witnessing the untapped potential of Bonny's young people. The realization came during a visit to Techpoint Inspired 2017 in Lagos, where an eight-year-old developer confidently asked a technical question. This spark ignited Pepple's passion to create opportunities for the youth of Bonny Island.
Since its inception, Technoville has partnered with the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) and reached 15 schools on the island, training over 300 young people through a six-month curriculum covering various tech subjects. The partnership with NLNG was seen as a way to empower local youth, and it has been a significant step towards Technoville's goal of making Bonny Island a hub for technology.
The organization operates multiple programs designed to build a comprehensive tech ecosystem. One such program is the Bonny Digital Literacy Initiative, which trains 100 young people annually. Technoville also hosts the Evolve Technology Summit annually, bringing together industry experts and showcasing local innovation.
In addition to its educational programs, Technoville provides practical support to its alumni. This includes providing laptops to promising students who can't afford one, helping them to continue their tech journey.
The youth of Bonny Island traditionally sought success through jobs with the oil companies, but competition is fierce, and many remain underemployed. Technoville's programs offer an alternative path, providing the skills necessary to build a career in the tech sector.
Running a tech organization in Bonny Island comes with unique challenges, such as limited funding and resources. To stay afloat, Technoville has diversified, running paid training programs, building solutions for clients, and seeking new partnerships.
One of the most promising outcomes of Technoville's programs is the emergence of startups built by its graduates. Joseph Long John, for instance, has launched an edtech startup, while Kadiri's platform connects students within a university faculty.
The tech sector in Nigeria is projected to become the country's top revenue earner by 2027, with a target of a 21% GDP share. Technoville's work on Bonny Island is a testament to this potential, and it is playing a crucial role in Nigeria's national shift where tech is moving from the margins into the center of the economy.
Technoville also places a strong emphasis on encouraging women to participate in their programs. In the fifth cohort, women outnumbered men, demonstrating the organization's commitment to gender equality in tech. Ada Nduka of SheCode Africa is a role model showcased to young women to encourage their participation.
Bonny Island enjoys amenities like round-the-clock electricity, a rarity in many Nigerian towns. This infrastructure, coupled with Technoville's programs, provides a solid foundation for the island's tech future.
One of the most exciting developments from Technoville is the Reforest AI, an artificial intelligence platform built by students Lesley Jombo, Blessed Pepple, and Bright Sunday. The platform has secured funding from the National Geographic Society, a testament to the innovative spirit that Technoville is fostering on Bonny Island.
As Technoville expands to Port Harcourt, it continues to inspire and empower the youth of Bonny Island, shaping Nigeria's tech future one student at a time.
