Nigerian Girls Win 2015 Global Technovation Challenge in United Stated

Four Nigerian girls have emerged winner in Technovation Challenge world pitch which held at San Francisco, USA. The winning team was made up of Praise David-Oku, Sonam Kumar, Nmesoma Ogbonna, and Grace Akpoiroro as they developed a mobile app to solve waste disposal challenge in Nigeria. They pitched their app called, ‘Discardious’.
The Founder of WITIN and Coordinator of the program in Nigeria Mrs. Martha Alade said that this years’ team was unique by making Nigeria proud because their solution tackled a major problem in Nigeria. It was reported that this is the first time a Nigerian team would come first globally in Technovation World Pitch.

An International Exchange Alumni and founder of iKapture Networks Grace Ihejiamaizu, and coach to the winning team said they went through a lot of challenges in the process of the competition yet they conquered.
It was gathered that 64 countries performed in the competition with 380 apps submitted, 10 teams from all over the world were given the chance to discuss their project in form of a pitch and tell their app story in a creative way. The girls also attended life-changing workshops including a networking session.
Praise David-Oku who was on of the team, said the competition has transformed their perception of technology. “It has given our team a platform to use technology to solve problems in our community.
It has also encouraged us to think outside the box. It has boosted my self-confidence and helped me build new relationships and networking skills. I have met new people from different parts of the world and shared ideas. It has also made me realize that I am not too young to start achieving my goals.
Sonam, also said: “It was wonderful, tough and very competitive. It was challenging for us, as we met and listened to people from different parts of the world tell their stories and share their powerful ideas. Above all, we learnt a lot of things about coding, networking and public speaking.
It was a very wonderful experience. She emphasized that Parents should enrol their girls in computer programmes at a tender age. Provide technology gadgets for use at home. Allow and encourage them to participate in technology competitions and programs. Encourage them to pick and study science related courses
The team collectively admitted that this is only the beginning of something big. “We are going to empower, build and guide young girls to participate in the next Technovation competition. We will launch our app and work on our project to solve pressing challenges in Nigeria. Technovation in Nigeria has come to stay for good”.