Digital Transformation Gains Ground as GEFAS Launches Operational Hub in Awka in Support of Governor Soludo's Agenda

 

Awka Set to Welcome Innovation Surge as GEFAS Unveils Digital Hub for Smart City Drive

A new chapter in Anambra State’s journey toward a digitally empowered future will begin on July 17, 2025, as the Geeks and Founders Alliance for Soludo (GEFAS) inaugurates its much-anticipated operational hub in Awka. The initiative, conceived by a vibrant network of young professionals, seeks to deepen the digital footprint across the state while reinforcing support for Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s visionary smart city agenda.

Located at 10 Uche Ekwunife Crescent in Iyiagu Estate, the hub will function as a collaborative space where innovation, entrepreneurship and community engagement converge. It is poised to become a strategic nerve centre for digital development, local tech ecosystem growth and grassroots mobilisation.

Mr Fred Agbata, Convener of GEFAS and a seasoned technology advocate, described the project as both a practical contribution to Anambra's digital evolution and a strong show of support for Governor Soludo’s re-election campaign. According to him, the establishment of the hub symbolizes a broader movement among the state’s youth to take ownership of the digital transformation narrative.

“Our intention goes beyond infrastructure. What we are launching is a mindset shift,” Agbata stated. “This space serves as a home for creators, coders, entrepreneurs and everyone invested in the future of Anambra. It reflects our belief in Governor Soludo’s mission to build a smart, prosperous state, and also in the ability of young innovators to drive meaningful change.”

The operational centre is expected to act as a beacon for collaboration among professionals in technology, design, business and policy. By providing physical infrastructure, mentorship and community-driven programs, GEFAS aims to empower youth-led ventures and promote digital literacy across urban and rural communities.

Young professionals who form the core of the alliance see the hub as a launchpad for solutions tailored to local needs. Rather than waiting for top-down interventions, the initiative calls for co-creation and active citizen participation in governance and development.

Agbata emphasized that the hub would be open to a wide array of activities including coding bootcamps, innovation sprints, civic tech challenges and public dialogues. He also expressed optimism that this would encourage stronger partnerships between government agencies and grassroots technologists.

“This is not just a campaign office or a symbolic structure. It’s a functional, evolving space where dreams are engineered, problems are tackled and voices are heard,” he explained. “Our doors will remain open to any youth group, startup or institution that wants to contribute to the digital rebirth of Anambra.”

The launch event is expected to draw tech entrepreneurs, civic innovators, policy influencers, students and representatives from local and international development organizations. Attendees will have the chance to explore the facility, engage in idea-sharing sessions and gain access to future opportunities the hub will offer.

Beyond the celebration of its opening, the event aims to spark new conversations about technology’s role in democratic engagement, inclusive governance and sustainable development. Organizers hope that such discourse will influence more young people to take ownership of their communities’ futures through active participation and innovation.

GEFAS has extended invitations to stakeholders from across Anambra and beyond, urging them to be part of this landmark occasion. According to the group, the success of the smart city initiative depends not only on government policies but also on the involvement of citizens who are empowered, informed and inspired.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with complex socio-economic challenges, youth-driven initiatives like this one offer a refreshing glimpse of what is possible when passion meets purpose. The operational hub in Awka will not only serve as a physical space but also as a powerful symbol of a generation determined to build from the ground up.

With eyes set on long-term impact, GEFAS intends to document and share success stories from the hub to inspire replication in other parts of the country. The alliance believes that what is happening in Awka could easily become a model for smart, community-led innovation across Nigeria.

*this is a sponsored post | contact@nnewi.ng