LOKOJA, Kogi State — The maiden Kogi Innovation Hackathon (KINHACK), organised by the Kogi Innovation Hub (KINHUB), brought together student innovators, policymakers, investors and technologists under the theme Intelligence for Tomorrow. Teams pitched home-grown solutions to everyday problems in Kogi State across four tracks: EdTech, GovTech, HealthTech and Agritech.
A Ceremonious Opening
Volunteers and Hack Star teams arrived early ahead of the audience, guests and speakers. The programme opened with the national anthem and a welcome address by ItopaKing David, Strategy Lead at KINHUB. He then invited Dr. Bashir Tenuche, Director General of the Kogi State ICT Development Agency (KICTDA), to deliver the keynote.
Goodwill messages followed from Amb. Dr. Kabir Adeiza and Mr. Najim Lawal. Mr. Lawal was represented by Pharm. Ramat Molo Aliyu, who delivered his remarks on his behalf.
Pitches and Panel Discussion
The first three pitches came from Study Route (EdTech), Safe Retrieve (EdTech) and Reachout (GovTech).
A panel session followed, featuring:
- Mrs. NanaHawa Kazeem, Special Adviser to the Governor on Education
- Dr. Bashir Tenuche, DG, KICTDA
- Mr. Mustapha Adinoyi, Product Leader, Adivicy Technologies
- Mr. ItopaKing David, Strategy Lead, Kogi Innovation Hub (Moderator)
The discussion covered innovation, education, startups, ideation, artificial intelligence and governance, and ended with an audience Q&A.
Two further perspectives on the theme were shared by Hadeeya Lawal, a venture capitalist, and Arome Ibrahim, a technologist.
Winners Emerge
The second round of pitches brought out more teams in the EdTech and GovTech categories, each presenting how its solution would tackle local challenges. After a short break for photographs, networking and prayers, the final round featured the Agritech and HealthTech teams.
After what the organisers described as a difficult deliberation, the jury announced the winners:
| Track | Winner | Team Lead |
|---|---|---|
| EdTech | Safe Retrieve | Maryam Musa Ize |
| GovTech | Reachout | Ohiomata BN |
| HealthTech | Emergency Health ID | James Promise |
| Agritech | SmartFarm Anti-Theft | Mujidat Sadiq |
Three teams were named runners-up: Vanguard-X (HealthTech, led by Raji Ezekiel), Study Route (EdTech, led by Aishat Orewa) and ProSec (GovTech, led by Elijah Joseph).
The jury also gave each participating team feedback and recommendations.
Closing
The event ended with remarks from participants and a closing address by ItopaKing David to attendees, Hack Stars, partners and sponsors.
Looking Ahead
ItopaKing said the hackathon reflects Kogi State’s growing place in Nigeria’s innovation landscape. “We believe strongly that Kogi State is rising in the innovation rankings,” the organisers noted, adding that today’s student teams could produce the startups that grow into global ventures. The Hub encouraged innovators to keep building solutions rooted in real problems and the needs of the people they serve.
Click to view Kogi Innovation Hackathon Media Gallery Here >>
