Somkenechukwu Mamah Festival Turns Kids Into Future Tech Leaders
The city of Port Harcourt buzzed with energy as more than 1,100 children, parents, and educators gathered for the 4th edition of the Young Techies Festival, an initiative of Code Ambassadors. Themed “LIMITLESS: Explore, Create, and Lead”, the festival offered a glimpse into Africa’s future. Children as young as eight were not just learning about technology, they were actively shaping their communities with early tech skills.
Why the Festival Exists
The festival began in 2022, inspired by the vision of Somkenechukwu Chukwudera Mamah, convener and founder of Code Ambassadors. The mission was clear: bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world problem-solving.
Too often, young students in Nigeria learn mathematics and science without applying them creatively. The Young Techies Festival tackles this gap by equipping children with tech skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. It also connects them to scholarships, mentors, and opportunities that can shape their futures.
When kids encounter tech tools early, they become more solution-oriented. Africa and Nigeria face problems that can be solved, and unemployment remains one of the biggest. Learning a tech skill at a young age doesn’t just prepare children to become entrepreneurs; it also makes them more competitive in the job market. Therefore, early tech exposure is essential.
Inside the 2025 Experience
This year’s edition delivered a mix of activities designed to challenge, inspire, and empower.
- Hackathon Highlight: Children aged 10–17 pitched tech-driven solutions to real-world problems. Winners received new laptops, routers, and scholarships, prizes that reward and enable further growth.
- Inspiring Talks: Experts broke down the future of AI, gaming, and animation, showing kids possibilities beyond coding.
- Hands-On Exhibits: From 3D printing demos to virtual reality experiences, participants explored emerging technologies firsthand.
- Parental Engagement: A special session, “Parenting in the Digital Age”, gave parents tools to support their children in safe, productive digital exploration.
- Wellness Add-On: Free health checks for early attendees reinforced the festival’s holistic approach to nurturing young talent.
The atmosphere was electrifying. Meanwhile, children as young as 10 stood on stage and confidently pitched their ideas to an audience of nearly a thousand. That moment proved the next generation is not only ready but also eager to lead.
The event welcomed students (ages 8–17) from schools across Rivers State and beyond, accompanied by parents, teachers, and community leaders. Moreover, inclusivity remained central: local government sponsorship covered costs for 200 underserved students, ensuring that access was free for them.
More Than Coding
As the convener emphasised, coding is just the starting point. In addition, the festival prioritizes life skills and values, including:
- Creativity & Critical Thinking
- Problem-Solving & Entrepreneurial Spirit
- Digital Safety & Leadership
The ultimate vision is to raise entrepreneurs and innovators who will use technology not only to earn but also to solve Africa’s pressing challenges.
The Young Techies Festival has grown steadily since its debut:
- 4 editions since 2022
- Over 1,700 children reached across 100+ schools
- Scholarships and gadgets awarded yearly
- Expanding community training and webinars beyond the festival
Feedback from parents, schools, and students has remained overwhelmingly positive. Many Participants continue building projects long after the event ends, proving the impact lasts beyond a single day.
The Road Ahead
The organisers stress that this is only the beginning. The festival will continue annually, alongside new initiatives that take tech outreach into schools and communities. The 2026 edition is already scheduled for “12 July 2026”, with ambitious plans to reach even more children across Nigeria and Africa.
The Young Techies Festival is more than an event, it’s a blueprint for Africa’s digital future. By giving young people exposure, skills, and confidence, it ensures that when AI, robotics, gaming, or VR arrives in full force, Africa’s youth will not just be consume but create and lead.
If Nigeria and Africa want to compete in tomorrow’s digital economy, initiatives like the Young Techies Festival are not optional; they are essential. What started as a local gathering has become a movement, a catalyst for a generation of innovators determined to dream, build, and lead.