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By Madu Obi
Arrangements have reached advanced stages for the hosting of a social media festival in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
The leader of the planned SMFest, Ifeanyi Ochije, who addressed hundreds of social media influencers from various states in Awka, explained that the targets are to bring together a community of young minds that are willing to learn and collaborate with one another; expose them to the modern technologies and opportunities provided by social media; as well as tap from the employment opportunities that exist in the world of social media.
Ochije said that with the slogan, 'Connect, Innovate and Grow', many experts who the Nigerian youths look up to, will serve as resource persons during the festival which will take place on May 11 this year.
According to him, those expected to speak at the SMfest include former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, Obinna Ukachukwu of Sterling Bank and many captains of industry.
Ochije said: "SMFest brings together youths of various background and connect them to come out with an innovation that would enhance their various trades. It's an event that brings together, like minds who are serious to learn.
"For three years, we've been planning to organize the SMfest in Awka as we have done in Owerri, Imo State. The idea is to change the narrative that Anambra people are mere traders who don't adopt technology."
"But looking at the achievements by the people, you'll discover that Anambra people are highly innovative and our job is to tell the right story about the state."
"With the universities around as the breeding ground, the message will easily be disseminated. And from Awka, we will move to other cities like Nnewi, Onitsha, Ekwulobia. The organization has already received the licence to host the Awka festival."
"For the event proper, we've confirmed 90% of the speakers and the festival will take place at the high -brow Hollywood Events Center in Awka ."
"What we plan to do will put Anambra State on the social media map. There are hundreds of volunteers running the organization and many of them are professionals in various fields, including law, architecture, education, among others. "
Their commitment to the network is to achieve the desired result and it might require putting in personal resources, but the ultimate result is worth the effort.
"Social media has become a mega bank and that is why those coming to deliver papers will inspire the participants to leverage on their experiences."
He said that about 1000 participants are expected at the SMfest.
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