The air in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) buzzed with anticipation and innovation today as the B<>rder/ess Web3 Product House officially opened its doors. The launch, a vibrant affair marked by prayers, insightful speeches, and palpable excitement, signals a significant step towards empowering the next generation of African Web3 builders.
Despite the physical absence of KarlaGod, the Lead Partner of the B<>rder/ess Developers Programme, her powerful message resonated deeply through a speech delivered on her behalf. KarlaGod, currently engaged in establishing a Web3 Media Studio in Port Harcourt, emphasized the grassroots nature of this groundbreaking initiative.“Let me be clear: this wasn’t sponsored by the government. This wasn’t a political project. This wasn’t funded by oil money or billion-dollar contracts,” her words echoed, highlighting the pivotal role of the global Web3 public goods ecosystem in bringing this vision to life. She passionately acknowledged the 85 donors from Epoch 5 who contributed to the B<>rder/ess Developers Programme, alongside Octant and the unwavering support of the Director of CEDR at UNN.
KarlaGod’s speech painted a compelling picture of Web3 beyond the typical narratives of cryptocurrency speculation. “Yes, Web3 has crypto. Yes, Web3 has airdrops and token speculation. But what brought us here today isn’t hype it’s heart,” she asserted, drawing parallels between the funding of the UNN hub and the principles behind open-source software and global humanitarian aid. Her vision positions Web3 as a force for good, capable of building systems that benefit the next billion users worldwide.
The B<>rder/ess UNN Web3 Product House, established within the university, aims to provide a free and accessible platform for students to become developers, product designers, tech writers, open-source contributors, builders, and future leaders in the Web3 space. KarlaGod issued a powerful call to action to the audience, alumni, and the wider community: “Don’t let this stop at applause. Support this hub, financially, materially, and with real opportunities.” The immediate needs include laptops, job placements, internships, and mentorship to nurture the burgeoning talent within the hub.
The launch event itself was a testament to the collaborative spirit driving this initiative. The program featured an opening prayer by Pastor Ekene of Believers Loveworld UNN, an opening speech by the B.T.C UNN Lead, and the introduction and recognition of esteemed dignitaries, including the Pastor, led by Princewill Ebube of B.T.C UNN. A documentary video showcased the journey leading up to the launch, followed by a keynote speech from the Director of CEDR, further underscoring the university’s commitment to fostering innovation.The program continued with KarlaGod’s impactful speech on public goods, followed by another address from Pastor Ekene.
A presentation about the Onchain Creators V.01 offered a glimpse into the practical applications of Web3 development, before speeches from the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the university, and the Director of the Uhere study centre.The highlight of the day was the official opening of the hub and the ribbon-cutting ceremony, presided over by Pastor Ekene, the B.T.C Team lead, and esteemed invitees, symbolizing the dawn of a new era of technological advancement within UNN. The event concluded with closing prayers and enthusiastic networking, captured in numerous photographs.
The launch of the B<>rder/ess UNN Web3 Product House marks a pivotal moment for Web3 adoption and talent development in Nigeria. It stands as a powerful example of how a global community, driven by shared values and a belief in the transformative power of decentralized technologies, can empower local communities and build a more inclusive and innovative future. As KarlaGod eloquently stated, “This is not just a hub. This is proof that with collective belief, shared values, and decentralized support, we can build anything.” The journey of building the future of Web3 in Nsukka has just begun.
