Bonny Island's Reputation for Oil Exploration is Seeking a Shift Towards Technological Advancements
In the heart of southern Nigeria, Bonny Island, known primarily for its oil and gas resources, is undergoing a significant transformation. Thanks to the grassroots initiative, Technoville, the island is now striving to establish itself as a technology destination.
Founded by Richard Pepple in 2010, Technoville was inspired by a trip Pepple took to Lagos in 2017. Since its launch in 2018, the organisation has been tirelessly working towards creating opportunities for Bonny's youth.
The unique challenges of running a tech organisation in Bonny, such as limited funding and resources, have not deterred Technoville. The organisation has diversified its operations to include running paid training programs, building solutions for clients, and seeking new partnerships to stay afloat.
Technoville's efforts extend beyond its base, with multiple programs designed to build a comprehensive tech ecosystem. The Bonny Digital Literacy Initiative aims to spread digital knowledge across the island, while the Technoville Road Show takes this mission to neighbouring communities. The Evolve Technology Summit brings together industry leaders and aspiring tech enthusiasts for a day of learning and networking.
Bonny Island, approximately 215 square kilometers in size and home to nearly 300,000 people, enjoys amenities such as round-the-clock electricity, a rarity in many Nigerian towns. Despite these advantages, the tech sector still faces hurdles, but Technoville is determined to overcome them.
The organisation prioritises encouraging young women to apply and showcases role models like Ada Nduka of SheCode Africa to increase female participation. This commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the success stories that have emerged from Technoville. Young people have been freelancing, working for companies, building startups, and interning with Technoville to help train others and build solutions for clients.
One such success story is that of Joseph Long John, a graduate of Technoville, who is developing an edtech startup with his university friends. Another graduate, Kadiri, is creating a platform aimed at connecting students within his university faculty. The most recent achievement comes from the trio of students, Lesley Jombo, Blessed Pepple, and Bright Sunday, who built the artificial intelligence platform Reforest AI. This innovative platform tracks deforestation patterns and recently secured funding from the National Geographic Society.
The Nigeria LNG (NLNG) plant, along with other oil companies on the island, has invested over $30 billion in infrastructure. This investment has provided a solid foundation for Technoville's ambitions. The flagship program, funded by the NLNG, trains 100 young people annually in computer literacy, product design, web development, data analysis, and robotics. Since its launch, Technoville has trained over 1,000 young people, with 300 graduating from the flagship program.
Technoville's commitment to its mission is evident in its hands-on approach. What sets Technoville apart is Pepple's mentorship, including providing laptops to promising students who can't afford one. This dedication to nurturing talent is a testament to Technoville's vision: to make Bonny known for technology, not just oil, and to be part of a national shift where tech moves from the margins into the center of Nigeria's economy.
With the tech sector in Nigeria now contributing between 16-18% of GDP and projected to become the country's top revenue earner by 2027, with a target of 21% GDP share, Technoville's efforts are timely and crucial. The organisation aims to be at the forefront of this shift, transforming Bonny Island into a beacon of technological innovation in Nigeria.
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