EKOWE CODEFEST 2024 DAY 2: FITNESS, CAREER INSIGHTS, AND TECH TALKS POWER THE DAY

Ekowe CodeFest 2024 Day 2: A Day Fueled by Fitness, Career Insights, and Tech Talks

Fitness and Tech-Focused Sessions

Day 2 of the Ekowe CodeFest 2024, organized by the National Association of Computing Students (NACOS) at the Federal Polytechnic Ekowe, Bayelsa State, was an engaging mix of fitness, career insights, and technology discussions. Held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, the day's events combined health and tech-focused activities, leaving participants energized and inspired to explore various facets of technology.

The morning kicked off with an invigorating exercise routine at the basketball court, where students engaged in various fitness activities. This session not only promoted physical well-being but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among participants, setting a lively and energetic tone for the day.

Following the fitness session, the event transitioned to career development and tech talks, featuring five distinguished speakers who provided insights into various technology-related fields.

Highlights of the Day: A Fusion of Learning and Inspiration

The Ekowe CodeFest 2024 saw enthusiastic students from the Department of Computer Science at Federal Polytechnic Ekowe gathering for a day filled with knowledge-sharing sessions. One standout presentation was the talk titled “Unlocking Opportunities: An Engaging Introduction to the World of Data Science.” Delivered by Mr. Okpomu Bethel Ebika, MCPN, MNCS, MAITP, the Head of the Department of Computer Science, the session aimed to demystify data science and highlight its career prospects for young, ambitious minds.

Detailed Remarks on Each Speaker's Topic

1. Mr. Okpomu Bethel Ebika (Head of Department, Computer Science): "Unlocking Opportunities: An Engaging Introduction to the World of Data Science"

Mr. Okpomu Bethel Ebika's presentation was a comprehensive introduction to data science, targeted at students who may not have prior knowledge of the field. He began by stating that “Data is the new oil,” a metaphor that resonated well with the audience and immediately sparked curiosity. His talk covered the evolution of data science, from traditional statistical analysis to modern machine learning algorithms, illustrating how data drives decision-making and innovation in today's world.

Remarks:

• Key Takeaways: Mr. Ebika’s talk highlighted various career paths in data science, such as Data Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, and Data Scientist, each supported by real-world examples.
• Skills and Tools Discussed: He emphasized the importance of mastering programming languages like Python and R, understanding statistics, data visualization, and becoming familiar with tools such as Jupyter Notebooks, TensorFlow, and Power BI.

• Call to Action: The session ended with a motivational push for students to dive deeper into data science through continuous learning, joining communities, and engaging in real-life projects.

2. Mr. Gideon Opuofoni (Technologist): "Networking Careers"

Mr. Gideon Opuofoni's session focused on careers in networking. He broke down the various pathways within networking, such as network administration, network engineering, and cybersecurity. His emphasis was on the dynamic nature of networking careers and the necessity for professionals to stay updated with evolving technologies and trends.

Remarks:

• Key Takeaways: He provided actionable advice on certifications and skills needed to excel in networking, such as CompTIA Network+, Cisco's CCNA, and cybersecurity credentials.
• Emphasis on Continuous Learning: Mr. Opuofoni stressed that success in networking requires ongoing education and a proactive approach to adapting to technological advancements.

3. Mr. Ferdinand Ihe: "Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)"

Mr. Ferdinand Ihe captivated the audience with his insightful talk on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). He delved into the importance of designing user-friendly systems and the role of HCI in bridging the gap between humans and computers. Mr. Ihe underscored that understanding user behavior is critical for creating intuitive and effective interfaces.

Remarks:

• Key Takeaways: He explained the principles of HCI, such as usability, accessibility, and user experience design.
• Focus on Practical Application: His session highlighted real-world applications of HCI in software and web development, gaming, and artificial intelligence, providing students with a broader perspective on its significance.

4. Didi-Omah Augustine Chinazaekpere (President, NACOS, FPE Chapter): "Blogging and You"

Didi-Omah Augustine Chinazaekpere shared his expertise on blogging, focusing on how students can start their own blogs and monetize them effectively. His talk covered the basics of setting up a blog, different types of blogging, and strategies to build an online presence.

Remarks:

• Key Takeaways: He provided step-by-step guidance on content creation, search engine optimization (SEO), and leveraging social media to drive traffic.
• Monetization Strategies: His session included practical advice on affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and ad placements, which resonated with aspiring bloggers looking to turn their passion into a source of income.

5. Mr. Solomon Fems: "Web and Software Development"

Mr. Solomon Fems concluded the session with an in-depth presentation on web and software development. He covered essential technologies such as HTML, CSS, SQL, and PHP, providing a hands-on demonstration on database manipulation using localhost.

Remarks:

• Key Takeaways: Mr. Fems’ practical approach allowed students to grasp the technicalities of web development, from front-end design to back-end integration.
• Focus on Practical Skills: His session emphasized the importance of mastering core web development skills and encouraged students to build their projects to enhance their portfolios.

Day 2 of Ekowe CodeFest 2024 was a resounding success, offering students a holistic experience that combined physical wellness, career guidance, and technical education. The blend of fitness and technology-focused sessions ensured that students left not only energized but also equipped with valuable knowledge and insights to navigate their future careers in the tech industry.

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Also see: Inside the captivation Ekowe-CodeFest 2024: Students at Federal Polytechnic Ekowe master system fixing in hardware workshop (See Photos)