BY JOELSON EBOH
THE Web 3 Warri Hacker House initiative is a pivotal solution to youth restiveness and Internet fraud, according to its organizer, Mr. Charles Freeborn.
Speaking at the event held at Shell Ogunu in Warri, Freeborn emphasized the need for such programmes in the community to harness the potentials of technology for positive change.
The event, a five-day workshop that began on Tuesday, was aimed at empowering local youths with skills in blockchain technology, software development, and smart content creation, collectively referred to as Web 3. Freeborn, a Warri native, shared his personal journey in technology and his vision for the initiative.
“I grew up in Warri and have always believed that if you are the only one enjoying success while others suffer, you’re not truly enjoying,” Freeborn stated. He expressed his desire to create a supportive community of tech enthusiasts in Warri, which has historically lacked such resources. “During my early career, I noticed that while there were numerous developer communities worldwide, most were centralized in Lagos. There was a gap in Warri, and I felt the need to fill it.”
“The Web 3 Warri Hacker House aims to expose local youth to blockchain technology and provide them with the skills needed to earn legitimate income while collaborating with global teams. “The internet is an ocean filled with abundant resources. What you can achieve depends on your knowledge and exposure,” Freeborn added. He also hopes to reshape Warri’s image, which is often marred by associations with internet fraud.
The workshop featured several keynote speakers, both online and in-person, including Mr. Trust Onyekwere from Bunzz, Asia’s largest blockchain infrastructure provider. Onyekwere highlighted the significance of embracing technological change: “The world is changing, and the tech scene is evolving. It’s essential to be part of this transformation. There’s so much more to online value creation beyond social media trends.” Although the Web 3 Warri Hacker House was not extensively publicized, it provided free accommodation and meals for all participants, which included students from the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), and the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun (PTI). This initiative reflects a commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a positive future for the youth of Warri.
Freeborn announced plans for a second edition of the Hacker House, encouraging attendees to join the community and continue learning about the tech space. “The initiative not only aims to equip participants with valuable skills but also seeks to uplift the community and foster a culture of innovation in Warri.
