The Chief Executive Officer of Reach Group, Solomon Nnanna, has described gaming as a rapidly growing and lucrative industry, urging young Nigerians to look beyond entertainment and tap into its vast economic opportunities.
Nnanna made this known in Umuahia, Abia State, during the Game Changers Fest, an event held to promote innovation and opportunities within the gaming ecosystem.
According to him, the essence of the Game Changers Fest is to create access and opportunities for individuals interested in gaming, while also driving a shift in mindset among young people who still view gaming as mere leisure.
He explained that with the right exposure and support, Nigerian youths can compete on the global stage and build sustainable careers in the gaming industry.
Nnanna further highlighted the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and community building, stressing that experienced professionals in the space must guide the younger generation to fully harness their potential.
” the initiative is primarily targeted at young people, with plans to integrate experienced professionals who would serve as mentors and guide the next generation of gamers“.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Abia Tech, ThankGod Kalu, described the gaming industry as a thriving sector with enormous opportunities.
He pointed out that in cities like Lagos and Asaba, many young people are already earning a living through gaming, challenging the long-held belief among parents that gaming is a distraction.
“Gaming is like the future of sports. From E Sports to Call of Duty, Mortal Kombat, and Assassin’s Creed, there are diverse niches young people can explore and succeed in,” he said.
Kalu explained that the core objective of the festival is to create awareness and inspire more youths to embrace gaming as a career opportunity, expressing optimism that Abia could emerge as a leading hub for gaming development and competition within the next five to six years.
Providing further insight, Solomon Nnanna, CEO of Reach Group, a marketing and advertising company based in Lagos and New York, highlighted the collaborative efforts behind the initiative.
He revealed that the concept of the Game Changers Fest is centered on creating access and opportunities for individuals interested in gaming, while also driving a shift in mindset about the industry.
Drawing global comparisons, he referenced Japan as a country where gaming has become a major economic force, noting that many of the world’s most popular games originate from there.
He also cited the growing prominence of global competitions such as the eSports World Cup, where countries, including Nigeria, are expected to participate and earn significant revenue.
On the technology side, robotics and Artificial Intelligence expert, Nwalozie Amamihe Chibuzor while speaking as one of the panelist during the event dismissed fears that AI would replace human roles in tech.
While acknowledging that AI can perform many technical tasks, he encouraged without fear, stressing the importance of identifying a niche and cultivating curiosity.
“As a young person, support from home is crucial. Don’t go into tech just because of money find your passion and build on it,” he advised.
Chibuzor further highlighted the cognitive benefits of gaming, noting that it enhances intelligence, memory, and problem-solving skills.
“You can actually build a life around gaming, not just use it to pass time,” he added.
In his remarks, the Managing Director and CEO of KingMakers, Kosi Ukanwoke, reiterated that gaming has the potential to create jobs and open up global opportunities for Nigerian youths.
He therefore urged young people to seize the opportunities within the industry and position themselves for success in the rapidly expanding digital economy.
Highlights of the event include the presentation of cheques to the first, second, and third-place winners in the pitching competition for entrepreneurs and individuals in tech, who competed on solutions to practical societal problems.
The event attracted tech enthusiasts, gamers, and industry stakeholders all united in the goal of positioning Abia as an emerging hub for gaming development and digital innovation.
