The Anambra State chapter of the Social Media Festival (SMFest), in partnership with the Solution Innovation District (SID) Awka, has announced a major tech-forward initiative set to empower 2,000 young people through a one-week virtual bootcamp scheduled for June 22 to 29, 2025. This forms part of the highly anticipated SMFest 2025 Annual Conference, expected to boost digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and remote work opportunities for youths across Anambra and beyond.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to Ms. Chinwe Okoli, Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Innovation and Business Incubation, the lead organiser of SMFest, Mr. Ifeanyi Ochije, revealed plans for this year’s event. He explained that the theme, “Disrupt and Evolve,” captures the mission to equip participants with hands-on skills in social media strategy, graphic design, AI tools, content creation, and remote work techniques.
“SMFest is more than a conference. It is a platform where entrepreneurs, content creators, startups, and digital professionals come together to learn, innovate, and build. This year, we’re taking it a notch higher with a bootcamp for 2,000 youths and engaging key players in the tech ecosystem,” Ochije said.
Ms. Okoli welcomed the collaboration, stating that the initiative aligns perfectly with the vision of building a strong digital economy in Anambra State. “We are excited to partner with SMFest. This program directly supports the One Million Anambra Digital Tribe project and the governor’s push for ‘Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere.’ It’s a timely investment in the future of our young people,” she said.
The SID facility, which spans 13.7 hectares at the former Government House, Awka, was officially handed over to the Solution Innovation District by the Anambra State Government. It is now positioned as a strategic hub for talent development, startup incubation, and tech-based economic empowerment.
“This is not just a land. It is the future of thousands of young innovators, entrepreneurs and change-makers,” Okoli added. “We are grateful to Governor Soludo for releasing this symbolic landmark. With partners like SMFest, we will raise a new generation of digital leaders.”
The visit included a guided tour of the permanent SID site, which is being developed to include co-creation labs, digital classrooms, incubation hubs, and enterprise centers. These infrastructures are expected to attract both local and international attention, pushing Anambra into the spotlight as an innovation-driven state.
SMFest co-founders praised the state government’s tech-focused agenda, pledging support through collaborative programs, mentorship and training opportunities designed to uplift young Nigerians. The festival will continue with the “Founders Meet” on July 4, which will connect digital leaders across the Southeast region, followed by the main conference on July 5 at the Hollywood Event Center, Awka. Over 1,000 participants are expected to attend workshops, keynotes, and technology showcases.
Read Also: Anambra Begins ‘Operation Repaint Your Buildings’ from July 1st
As the June bootcamp approaches, excitement is building for what is set to become one of the largest digital training events targeted at youths in the region this year.