August 2025 marked a bold new step in our journey to empower young people with the skills and mindset to thrive in today’s world. In Calabar, the dream of establishing The Bridge Innovation Centre (TBIC) came alive with the successful set-up of our first Tech Hub—a vibrant space designed for creativity, learning, and innovation.
Thanks to the generous support of the New Africa Fund (NAF) through the AIFG Challenge, the once-empty space was transformed into a branded hub that radiates possibility. To celebrate this milestone, we hosted a pilot 3-week Leadership & Tech Bootcamp, bringing together 25 passionate young people who immersed themselves in leadership training, mentorship, excursions, and hands-on tech skills such as web design, graphics, video editing, and animation.
The energy in the room was undeniable. Over the three weeks, participants not only discovered new abilities but also built the confidence to apply them. The Bootcamp ended on a high note, with a colourful exhibition where students proudly showcased their projects—proof that when young people are given the right tools and guidance, they rise to the challenge with creativity and innovation.
But this is only the beginning. The next phase for TBIC is equipping the hub with laptops and resources that will support learners as we launch cohort-based training in October 2025. Step by step, TBIC is becoming more than a hub—it is evolving into a home for technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship where young people can dream, build, and lead.
