The United States Consulate in Nigeria recently brought together 48 alumni of the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) Network from 16 African countries, all of whom had earlier participated in previous TechCamps.
During the three-day workshop, participants worked with local and international experts on best practices in applying low-cost technology tools and digital strategies to design and implement projects that would promote good governance, transparency, and citizen engagement across the continent.
“It is not an exaggeration to say that each and every day we see evidence of the critical need for greater efforts in good governance. In fact, you will not have to go far outside of the doors of this institution to find confirmation of the need for real solutions to some of the most vexing issues facing government in Nigeria and elsewhere,” said Russell Brooks, public affairs officer, United States consulate general, Lagos.
“I am speaking of the need for better healthcare, more efficient transportation, better schools, improved sanitation, a healthier environment, in other words, a better quality of life and a more prosperous lifestyle for the citizens of Lagos or cities like Lagos throughout the continent,” he said.
He explained that finding lasting, sustainable solutions to these problems was hampered by corruption, the absence or misallocation of resources, and simple mismanagement.
“I am sure it is your hope that your skill and experience, the wisdom of the facilitators, or perhaps your commitment and passion will lead you and your colleagues to share some best practices or identify technological innovations that will help us in our quest to improve governance at all levels and ensure greater transparency and accountability,” he said.
“The task is huge but every journey must begin with that first step. Perhaps sometime in the future, someone will cite this TechCamp as one of those first steps toward finding solutions to today’s problems,” he added.
Odinaka Anudu
