In 2015, we began a series on Startup Nigeria tagged “Niger Delta Influencer of The Week”. These series of posts showcased the works of various social entrepreneurs in the personalities of Ebenezar Wikina, Grace Ihejiamazu, Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu Priscillia Usiobaifo and Godson Ohuruogu, who are working studiously to change the Niger Delta story.
This Year our series commences with a notable female achiever in the area of technology and youth development – Njideka Harry.
Njideka Harry is the founder and President of Youth for Technology Foundation (YTF), a technology centered non-profit organization that leverages on the power of technology to transform the lives of youth and women in developing countries. Over 10 years worth of experience in non-profit has no doubt prepared her for the challenges facing young Nigerians.
In 2000, Njideka established the first digital village in Owerri, Imo state; the village was to serve as a technology learning center for youths. This model has since been replicated in other communities across the Niger Delta and beyond. She has been instrumental in connecting students and teachers in technology centers to schools in the U.S where they can receive advanced training.
The foundation has also succeeded in providing ICT and entrepreneurship skills to over 1.4 million youth and women across West Africa thereby giving them the opportunity and means to become self reliant.
Njideka is also an Ashoka fellow and a 2013 award recipient of the Social Entrepreneur of the Year by the Schwab foundation and the Economic World Forum. She currently seats on the advisory board of Promoting Readiness in Science and Math (PRISM), a gender equity program for girls’ between the ages of 12-15.
Know of any other notable achievers based in the Niger Delta? Then please, send an email to chinwe@startupnigeria.net and we will let the world know too.
Image source:flickr.com
