Abuja: The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has announced that the top three winners of the Hack4Livestock Hackathon programme will be awarded N10 million. The announcement was made during the four-day event held in Abuja, aimed at encouraging young talents to create innovative solutions for the livestock ecosystem across the nation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr Tijani emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Ministry of Livestock, experts, and the Center for AI and Robotics to ensure the sustainability of the developed solutions. The Federal Government is also committed to investing in the dairy sector and creating a conducive environment for private investors to participate. He highlighted the need for solutions that are accessible and functional in various settings, tapping into the pool of local talents to achieve this goal.
Dr Tijani also noted the government’s willingness to invest in the sector, illustrating this by establishing a new ministry focused on such initiatives. The minister underscored the role of the government in fostering an environment that attracts private investment, rather than solely relying on government funding.
The Hack4Livestock programme will provide mentoring support and expertise to the selected teams, helping them refine their solutions to meet sectoral needs. The aim is to develop high-value solutions that contribute to economic growth.
Dr Olubunmi Ajala, National Director of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, remarked on the livestock sector’s economic and social significance. He emphasized the role of technology in addressing agricultural challenges and bridging gaps between innovation and tradition, urban and rural practices, and policy makers and communities.
Ajala pointed out that less than 15 per cent of herders currently use digital tools, not due to a lack of interest but because existing tools do not align with their needs and constraints. He highlighted the sector’s contribution to the national GDP and its importance to the livelihoods of over 40 million Nigerians.
Divine Idikoh, an innovator involved in the programme, is developing a digital marketplace called Livestocx. This platform aims to connect livestock sellers directly with buyers, eliminating middlemen who drive up prices. Idikoh’s initiative seeks to directly link farmers with consumers, addressing a key market challenge.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the hackathon is centered on creating digital solutions to advance Nigeria’s livestock sector, aligning with the National Livestock Transformation Plan.
