In a significant step toward deepening digital inclusion in Enugu State, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has empowered 50 young innovators with digital tools, while commending Governor Peter Mbah for his pivotal support of the Agency’s South-East Zonal Office.
NITDA
Delivering the goodwill message at the event, NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, described the Governor’s commitment as instrumental to the successful launch and rapid performance of the Zonal Office, now recognised as one of NITDA’s top-performing offices nationwide.
“Inuwa noted that Enugu, historically known as Nigeria’s coal city, is undergoing a transition from natural-resource reliance to a knowledge-driven economy. ‘Enugu was once an energy capital powering industries from beneath the earth. Today, the energy driving Enugu is the creativity, talent, and determination of its young people,’” the DG’s message read.
Highlighting the role of digital technology in global economic growth, Inuwa cited projections that the digital economy could contribute up to $23 trillion to global GDP in the coming years, stressing that investment in digital skills today will shape national prosperity tomorrow.
As part of the initiative, over 900 youths registered on NITDA’s digital training platform, with 50 outstanding participants receiving digital tools to enhance their skills and foster innovation. Additionally, 250 participants were recognised for their dedication and excellence throughout the training.
“Nigeria must not only consume technology but create it. Innovation must become our currency, and digital skills must become the bridge to opportunity,” Inuwa emphasised, noting NITDA’s goal of achieving 70 percent digital literacy among Nigerians by 2027.
The initiative aligns with the Agency’s broader strategy to shift the nation from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology.
Governor Peter Mbah, in his remarks, described the festival as more than a technology conference, calling it “a reinforcement of intent” and a validation of the state’s ambition to become a credible node in Nigeria’s growing innovation ecosystem.
Drawing a comparison between Enugu’s historic coal industry and its emerging digital future, he observed that while coal once powered industries across Europe and West Africa, the economic benefits largely left the state.
Today, he argued, Enugu’s greatest resource is its people—their creativity, skills, and innovative potential.
By investing in technology, education, and digital infrastructure, Mbah envisions a future where the state harnesses local talent to generate value, turning ideas into globally competitive solutions and establishing Enugu as a hub of knowledge and digital innovation.
Referencing global technology giants such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Tesla, he stressed that control over digital infrastructure is the key to economic leverage in the 21st century.
“Find what is broken, understand it deeply, and fix it properly,” he advised, underscoring that innovation is not about glamour but solving real problems.
He highlighted Enugu’s progress in embedding artificial intelligence in security operations, digitising core government functions, and introducing Geographic Information Systems in land administration to enhance efficiency and strengthen land rights.
Earlier, Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, delivered the welcoming address, highlighting the progress made since the inaugural edition of the festival.
He noted that thousands of youths have been trained through digital skills initiatives, strategic partnerships have been launched—including Nigeria’s largest tech hub initiative—and technology clusters in blockchain and gaming have expanded, positioning Enugu as an emerging national tech leader.
Dr. Ezeh outlined the core objectives of ETF 2026: transforming businesses through innovative strategies aligned with the digital economy, and strengthening communities by fostering collaboration and resilience.
He also revealed ongoing reforms to embed technology across governance and public services, including advanced real-time security systems, smart green schools, and modernised public service platforms.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Anna Vesterholm, Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria; Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission; alongside captains of industry and leading technology experts.
