Please describe your proposed solution

The lack of blockchain education and engagement in Osogbo, Osun State, has left many young citizens unaware of the opportunities available within the Cardano ecosystem. Our solution is to host the first official Cardano blockchain conference in the region, providing a platform for education, networking, and adoption. By introducing Cardano's features, such as staking, token holdership, and decentralized applications, we will empower local youth to become active participants.

Our approach is tailored to Osun's youth, focusing on accessibility and relevance. The conference will engage students, young professionals, tech enthusiasts, and entrepreneurs who are eager to explore new technologies but lack the means and understanding of blockchain. We will offer hands-on workshops, expert speakers, and practical guidance on how Cardano can enhance their economic and social future.

Our impact will be measured by the number of attendees, participation in follow-up blockchain initiatives, and adoption rates of Cardano tools (e.g., wallets, staking). The conference's success will be captured in post-event surveys and community feedback, showcasing its long-term value.

This project is crucial for Cardano’s growth in underserved regions, fostering a new generation of African blockchain users, developers, and innovators. It aligns with Cardano’s vision of global inclusivity and decentralized financial empowerment.

Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

The project will positively impact the Cardano community by expanding its reach to an underserved region, Osun State, Nigeria. By educating and empowering youth, we will create a new cohort of Cardano advocates, developers, and users. This will increase the adoption of Cardano wallets, token holdership, and participation in staking, governance, and decentralized finance (DeFi).

We will measure the impact both quantitatively and qualitatively:

• Quantitative measures: Number of conference attendees, wallet downloads, staking participation, and follow-up blockchain activities.
• Qualitative measures: Feedback from attendees through surveys, testimonials, and community engagement post-conference.

To share our outputs, we will:

• Publish a detailed post-event report and video showcasing the event highlights.
• Share success stories of participants adopting Cardano tools on social media and the Cardano Forum.
• Develop ongoing local blockchain meetups in Osogbo, fostering a sustained Cardano community presence.

This project will drive Cardano’s long-term growth by bringing new, diverse participants from Nigeria into the ecosystem and demonstrating Cardano’s potential in emerging markets.

What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team has a strong track record in project management, event planning, and community engagement, which positions us well to deliver this project successfully. We have previously organized tech-related events, workshops, and conferences, and are experienced in managing budgets, logistics, and stakeholder collaboration. Our background in blockchain and Cardano-related activities further strengthens our ability to provide valuable, relevant content to the audience.

We will validate the feasibility of our approach by:

• Conducting a pre-event survey to gauge interest and identify local needs.
• Partnering with local institutions and blockchain experts to ensure we meet educational goals.
• Establishing a timeline for all critical event stages (planning, promotion, execution, post-event reporting) to ensure timely delivery.

To ensure trust and accountability, we will:

• Use transparent financial processes, maintaining detailed records of all expenses.
• Provide regular updates to our funders and the Cardano community throughout the project.
• Submit a comprehensive report, video, and proof of achievements (PoAs) after the event, ensuring proper documentation of impact and fund usage.

Our reputation within the community and our focus on transparency will guarantee the responsible management of funds and the successful delivery of the project.

What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Milestone 1: Pre-conference Planning and Partnerships

• A: Milestone Outputs:

• Venue booked and logistical plans finalized

• Key partnerships established with local institutions and blockchain experts

• Promotional campaign launched (social media, flyers, community outreach)

• Pre-event survey distributed to assess interest and educational needs

• B: Acceptance Criteria:

• Venue and logistics confirmed (signed agreement with venue, equipment, and materials secured)

• Partnership agreements or confirmations from speakers and collaborators

• Online and offline promotional content published and distributed

• Survey responses collected and analyzed

• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Signed venue contract and logistics confirmations (invoices, receipts)

• Emails or letters of agreement from speakers and partners

• Links to published promotional materials and screenshots of social media activity

• Survey report showing responses and data analysis

Milestone 2: Conference Execution

• A: Milestone Outputs:

• Successful execution of the Cardano Blockchain Conference

• Workshops and presentations delivered by blockchain experts

• Attendee engagement and participation tracked

• B: Acceptance Criteria:

• Conference held as scheduled with recorded attendance

• Completion of workshops and presentations as per the agenda

• Attendee data gathered, including number of participants, wallet downloads, and staking activity

• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Event attendance list and participant registration

• Photos, videos, and presentations from the event

• Post-conference survey results and attendee feedback

• Metrics on wallet downloads and blockchain activities by attendees.

Final Milestone: Project Close-out Report and Video

• A: Milestone Outputs:

• Comprehensive project close-out report

• Event video showcasing highlights, interviews, and success stories

• Proof of achievements (PoAs) documented

• B: Acceptance Criteria:

• Submission of a complete report covering financial details, event impact, and lessons learned

• A professionally edited event video made available

• Collection and reporting of metrics on attendee Cardano adoption and follow-up activities

• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Final project report (PDF or document)

• Video of event highlights uploaded and accessible via shared link

• PoAs, including attendee metrics (wallet downloads, staking participation), attached in the final report

These milestones ensure clarity, accountability, and measurable progress throughout the project.

Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Here’s a response that outlines your project team, their roles, and engagement with partners and communities:

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Project Team and Roles

Ayo Olu-Ayoola - Project Manager:

• Oversees the entire planning, execution, and closing of the conference, ensuring timelines and budgets are adhered to.

Yemi Adetayo - Event Coordinator:

• Manages logistical arrangements, including venue selection, catering, and overall event scheduling.

Ese Williams - Marketing and Communications Lead:

• Develops and implements marketing strategies, manages social media, and engages with local communities to promote the event.

Janet Babalola - Speaker Liaison:

• Identifies and coordinates with speakers, managing their logistics and presentation needs for the conference.

Anthony Aliduh - Technical Support Specialist:

• Provides technical assistance during the event, ensuring all equipment is functioning properly and managing live streaming, if applicable.

Peter Oyamenda - Community Engagement Coordinator:

• Focuses on outreach to local youth and organizations to encourage participation and engagement with Cardano.

Damilola Adeola - Finance and Compliance Officer:

• Manages the budget, tracks expenses, and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements related to the grant.

Clement Umoh - Evaluation and Impact Analyst:

• Designs evaluation methods to assess the conference's impact and collects data on attendee engagement and satisfaction.

Partner Engagement

We have identified Remostarts as a partner for this project. Remostarts is a previously funded Cardano-awarded company actively building the Cardano community in Lagos and Uyo, and their expertise will enhance our event's impact.

Community Engagement

Our team has actively engaged with various Cardano groups on Discord to connect with the broader blockchain community, ensuring that we have access to relevant resources and support for the conference.

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Here’s a budget breakdown for the proposed Cardano blockchain conference in Osogbo, Osun State, presented in free form:

The total budget for the conference is estimated at 60,000 ADA. This includes various essential expenses to ensure a successful event.

Firstly, 8,000 ADA will be allocated for venue rental to secure a suitable location for the conference. For the audio/visual equipment, including microphones, projectors, screens, and technical support, we will set aside 6,000 ADA. Catering for meals and refreshments for attendees and speakers is estimated at 6,000 ADA as well.

To promote the event, we will invest 4,000 ADA in marketing and promotion, which will cover flyers, social media ads, and community outreach materials. For speaker fees, we anticipate needing 8,000 ADA to honor keynote speakers and workshop facilitators.

In terms of travel and accommodation, we will allocate 6,000 ADA for the transportation and lodging of speakers traveling from outside the area. We will also secure 2,000 ADA for event insurance to cover any liability issues that may arise during the event.

Additionally, we plan to allocate 2,000 ADA for documentation and reporting, which will involve creating post-event reports and other necessary documentation. Community engagement activities to connect with local youth and the broader community will require about 4,000 ADA.

Lastly, we have set aside 2,000 ADA for miscellaneous expenses to cover any unforeseen costs or a contingency fund.

To enhance our efforts, we may engage third-party services, such as a local marketing agency for promotional activities and a technical support team for audio-visual setup during the event.

If the total cost exceeds the funding request or if additional resources are needed, we are prepared to explore sponsorship opportunities with local businesses and organizations interested in supporting blockchain education and innovation.

NO

How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The proposed budget for the Cardano blockchain conference in Osogbo, Osun State, represents significant value for money within the Cardano ecosystem for several reasons.

Firstly, the total cost of 60,000 ADA is carefully structured to maximize impact while ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently. Each line item in the budget has been thoughtfully considered to provide essential services and materials necessary for a successful event. For example, the venue rental and audio/visual equipment are critical components that will directly enhance the attendee experience, making it easier for participants to engage with the content and interact with speakers.

The costs associated with catering, while they may seem substantial, are justified by the need to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages networking and collaboration among attendees. This communal experience is essential for fostering a strong sense of community within the Cardano ecosystem.

In terms of speaker fees, we are sourcing industry experts who can deliver valuable insights into blockchain technology and Cardano specifically. The honorariums allocated to these speakers reflect the typical rates within the industry and are essential for attracting high-caliber individuals who can provide impactful content.

Furthermore, we have benchmarked our expenses against local costs and industry standards. For instance, the costs for venue rental, catering, and marketing materials align with prevailing rates in Nigeria. By doing this, we ensure that the budget is competitive while still allowing us to deliver a high-quality event.

Additionally, this conference serves as a foundational step in increasing the adoption of Cardano among young citizens in Osun State. The knowledge and networking opportunities provided during this event will have long-lasting benefits, equipping attendees with the skills and insights to engage with the Cardano ecosystem actively. This potential for future growth and community development within the blockchain space adds substantial value to the investment.

Lastly, the planned community engagement activities demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and education, fostering a diverse range of participants. This broad engagement will ultimately contribute to the expansion of the Cardano community and increase overall adoption.

In summary, the costs outlined in the project budget reflect a commitment to quality and effectiveness, ensuring that the investment made by the Cardano ecosystem will yield significant returns in community growth, education, and long-term adoption.