Hundreds of students from across Rivers State gathered in Port Harcourt for TechSpark Conference 2026, a youth-focused technology event organised by TalentMakers Foundation to expose young people to opportunities within the digital economy and inspire them to become innovators, creators, and problem-solvers.
The conference brought together students, technology professionals, educators, and public sector leaders for conversations around innovation, digital skills, leadership, and the future of work.
As technology continues to shape industries and create new career opportunities, stakeholders at the event emphasized the need to ensure that young people, particularly those in underserved communities, are equipped with the knowledge, exposure, and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Representing the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Barr. Dr. Chidi Lloyd, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Peter Ugari, Esq., commended TalentMakers Foundation for its commitment to youth development and technology education.
He noted that young people in rural and underserved communities should not be left behind in conversations around technology and innovation, adding that access to digital skills is becoming increasingly important in today’s world.
Ugari further disclosed plans for collaboration between the Local Government Council and TalentMakers Foundation to provide ICT training opportunities for residents and strengthen digital literacy and employability among young people.
Speaking during the conference, the Executive Director of TalentMakers Foundation, Barr. Omotoyosi Edeboh, said the initiative was created to ignite curiosity among young people and encourage them to see technology as a tool for solving problems and creating opportunities.
According to her, many young people possess creativity and potential but often lack the exposure and support needed to transform ideas into meaningful innovations.
“TechSpark was created to help young people see possibilities beyond their immediate environment. We want them to understand that innovation begins with curiosity and that they have the capacity to develop solutions that can positively impact their communities,” she said.
Edeboh reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to ensuring that young people, particularly those from underserved communities, have access to opportunities that prepare them for the future.
She also called on development partners, institutions, and other stakeholders to support initiatives that promote digital inclusion and equip young people with relevant skills for the evolving economy.
Delivering the keynote address, Technical Project Manager, Saifur-Rahman Yusuf, challenged participants to move beyond ideas and focus on action.
He encouraged students to develop the habit of solving problems, noting that some of the world’s most impactful innovations started as simple ideas pursued with consistency and determination.
“Great innovations often begin with ordinary people who identify problems and choose to do something about them,” he said.
The conference also featured presentations and interactive sessions from industry professionals, including Sophia Nei, Founder of Females in Gaming Network (FIGN); Barr. Ochibry Promise, a technology lawyer; Fatima Alhassan, Women Techmakers Ambassador and Community Manager at GDG Gwagwalada; and Qahharat Ibrahim, a Software Quality Assurance Engineer.
Through their various sessions, participants were exposed to career opportunities within the technology ecosystem and gained practical insights into digital skills, innovation, leadership, and personal development.
Students who participated in the conference described the experience as inspiring and transformative, noting that it broadened their understanding of technology and introduced them to career pathways they had not previously considered.
Many participants expressed renewed interest in exploring opportunities within the technology sector and applying what they learned to solve challenges within their schools and communities.
The conference concluded with a strong call for increased investment in technology education, innovation programmes, and digital skills development to ensure that more young Nigerians are equipped to participate meaningfully in the future economy.
Through initiatives such as TechSpark, TalentMakers Foundation continues to create opportunities for young people to learn, innovate, and thrive, while helping to build a generation of innovators prepared to shape the future of Africa.
