A strategic partnership between KingMakers and the Abia State Government is set to drive innovation and empower young talents, as both parties intensify efforts to position the state as a hub for gaming and digital enterprise.
The collaboration took centre stage at the Game Changers Fest held in Umuahia, where stakeholders highlighted the growing potential of the gaming industry as a platform for youth empowerment and economic development.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of KingMakers, Gawsi Ukanwoke, said the partnership is designed to create structured opportunities for innovators, providing them with the tools, exposure, and support needed to thrive in the digital economy.
He noted that beyond entertainment, gaming offers a gateway for young Nigerians to build careers, develop skills, and connect with global opportunities, stressing that collaboration with government remains key to unlocking the sector’s full potential.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Reach Group, Solomon Nnanna, said the initiative is focused on reshaping perceptions about gaming while opening up access for young innovators to explore opportunities within the ecosystem.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Abia Tech Hub, ThankGod Kalu, described gaming as a fast-growing sector already generating income for youths across major cities like Asaba and Lagos, urging participants to leverage emerging opportunities in areas such as eSports and game development.
Adding a technological perspective, robotics and Artificial Intelligence expert, Nwalozie Chibuzor, encouraged innovators to embrace new technologies with confidence, noting that creativity, curiosity, and mentorship remain critical to success in the digital age
A major highlight of the event was a pitching competition where young innovators presented tech-driven solutions to real-world challenges, with winners receiving financial support to scale their ideas underscoring the commitment of KingMakers and its partners to nurturing grassroots innovation.
The Game Changers Fest attracted gamers, developers, and tech enthusiasts, all united in the vision of transforming Abia into a thriving centre for innovation through sustained public-private collaboration.
