In a bid to foster technology growth in Kogi State, the Google Developer Group (GDG) Lokoja has held its 2025 Developer Festival bringing together developers, student innovators, creatives, and tech enthusiasts from across the state.

The Lead Organiser, Stephen Paul, said the community’s journey began in 2019 with a mission to create an inclusive space for developers and young people interested in technology.

He explained that DevFest has evolved into a platform where participants learn, connect, and celebrate the fast-rising tech ecosystem in Kogi state.

Paul noted that the group identified a significant gap in the availability of structured tech communities for students and aspiring developers.

GDG Lokoja, he said, began organising bootcamps, hackathons, and training sessions aimed at raising a new generation of tech talents in the state.

Speaking at the event, Director-General of the Kogi State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency, Dr. Bashir Tenuche, commended the enthusiasm displayed by participants, describing the gathering as a strong indication of the state’s growing digital potential.

Dr. Tenuche commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for establishing the Kogi State ICT Agency, which he said has created a central structure for promoting digital development and coordinating ongoing tech efforts in the state.

He highlighted the government’s long-term agenda to build Silicon Confluence, describing it as a vision for a digitally transformed Kogi State driven by indigenous innovation.

He emphasized that with the right design strategies and bold commitment, Kogi can become a leading force for digital transformation in Nigeria.

He urged young developers to recognise the power they hold as a community capable of building local solutions.

The DG ICT Agency outlined a developer-driven vision for Kogi, where young people create solutions to local problems and indigenous developers build digital systems for ministries, departments, and agencies of government.

He further noted that the current administration is increasingly prioritising the adoption of indigenous software, assuring developers that the government is open to new ideas.

“Your code matters, and your ideas matter. Bring them forward. We are committed to giving feedback and supporting homegrown solutions”, he said.

Participants at the event expressed excitement about the networking opportunities, exposure to global tech trends, and renewed confidence to build innovative solutions.