Taraba Hackathon Sparks Homegrown Solutions in Agriculture and Education

Tebrimam Sika and Auta Pheejamikalo

 The atmosphere at Tim Royal Hall, Jalingo, was electric—not just with the energy of competition, but with purpose. The annual MODE AND I Hackathon brought together Taraba's young innovators, not merely to vie for prizes, but to craft practical solutions to pressing local challenges.

The Taraba State Hackathon 2025, organised by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Innovation with the support of Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, is a yearly event designed to showcase the talents of young people, foster digital solutions, and encourage innovative thinking. Coordinated by Commissioner Hon. Gideon Nonso and TASYDA Chairman Hon. Gara Nongha, the event has become a pivotal platform for youth engagement in the state.

In his keynote address, Commissioner Gideon Nonso described the hackathon as a defining moment for Taraba's youth.

"Today, we are not just in an event hall; we are shaping Taraba's digital future," he said. "This hackathon is about using local skills and technology to solve problems in agriculture, education, and security. You, the young innovators, are the key to unlocking the state's potential."

He urged participants to view their projects as more than just competitions. "See your work as hope, ambition, and real solutions that can change lives," he emphasized, noting that the initiative aligns with Governor Kefas' commitment to empowering youth to make lasting contributions to their communities.

This year's theme, "Digital Innovations for Sustainable Communities," underscores the focus on leveraging local technology to address local challenges. Commissioner Nonso also announced that some participants would receive training, stipends, and even opportunities for further digital development abroad, in collaboration with Hon. Gara Nongha.

The Permanent Secretary praised Governor Kefas for fostering an environment that encourages digital growth among young people, highlighting the hackathon as a platform for creativity, exposure, and tangible solutions. Atoh Kitika, one of the event facilitators, noted that the annual gathering continues to connect innovators, helping them share ideas and contribute to the state's digital economy.

The projects themselves showcased the ingenuity of Taraba's youth. Team Safar, led by Silas Kwankwaso, unveiled a digital ecosystem for farmers, incorporating registration, smart farm monitoring, mobile and USSD platforms, and a marketplace linking farmers directly with state planners.

Meanwhile, Team IMI addressed the challenge of educational access in remote areas, introducing a voice AI tutoring platform designed to deliver lessons to students without access to qualified teachers.

Hon. Gara Nongha praised the youth for their creativity, noting that such innovations help bridge the gap between government policies and the communities they serve. Adding inspiration to the event, Joy Yusuf delivered a moving spoken-word performance, encouraging participants to dream big and seize digital opportunities.

The hackathon also highlighted broader ministry achievements, including digital base stations, partnerships with CWG Lagos, national enrollment drives, youth digital literacy programs, and free internet access for students. Outstanding participants were recognized with tokens of appreciation for their innovation and dedication.

As the event drew to a close, one thing was clear: the MODE AND I Hackathon is far more than a competition. It is a proving ground where Taraba's young innovators are shaping the state's socio-economic future. With the right support and resources, these homegrown talents are poised to lead the way in digital transformation, addressing challenges in agriculture, education, and disaster management alike.