In a significant move to deepen 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 in establishing the Agency’s South-East Zonal Office.
Delivering a 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 strong 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 reliance on natural resources 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 stated.
Highlighting the transformative impact of digital technology on global growth, he cited projections that the digital economy could contribute up to $23 trillion to global GDP in the coming years, stressing that investments in digital skills today will shape national prosperity tomorrow.
As part of the initiative, more than 900 youths registered on NITDA’s digital training platform, with 50 outstanding participants receiving digital tools to enhance their skills and drive innovation. An additional 250 participants were recognised for their dedication and excellence throughout the programme.
“Nigeria must not only consume technology but create it. Innovation must become our currency, and digital skills must serve as the bridge to opportunity,” Inuwa emphasised, noting NITDA’s target of achieving 70 per cent digital literacy among Nigerians by 2027. He added that the initiative aligns with the Agency’s broader strategy to transition Nigeria from a resource-based economy to one driven by knowledge, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
In his remarks, Governor Peter Mbah 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 hub within Nigeria’s growing innovation ecosystem. Drawing parallels between Enugu’s historic coal industry and its emerging digital future, he observed that while coal once powered industries across Europe and West Africa, much of the economic value left the state. Today, he said, Enugu’s greatest asset is its people—their creativity, skills, and innovative capacity.
By investing in technology, education, and digital infrastructure, Mbah said his administration aims to harness local talent to generate value, transform ideas into globally competitive solutions, and position Enugu as a centre of knowledge and digital innovation. Referencing global technology giants such as Apple Inc., Microsoft, Amazon, Meta Platforms, and Tesla, Inc., he stressed that control of digital infrastructure is key to economic leverage in the 21st century.
“Find what is broken, understand it deeply, and fix it properly,” the governor advised, underscoring that innovation is less about glamour and more about solving real-world problems. He highlighted Enugu’s strides in integrating artificial intelligence into security operations, digitising core government functions, and deploying Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in land administration to enhance efficiency and strengthen property rights.
Earlier, Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, delivered the welcome address, outlining progress since the inaugural edition of the festival.
He noted that thousands of youths have been trained through digital skills initiatives, strategic partnerships have been forged — including what he described as Nigeria’s largest tech hub initiative — and technology clusters in blockchain and gaming have expanded, positioning Enugu as an emerging national technology leader.
Ezeh highlighted the core objectives of ETF 2026, which include transforming businesses through innovative strategies aligned with the digital economy and strengthening communities by fostering collaboration and resilience. He also disclosed 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 at the event included Anna Vesterholm, Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria; Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission; as well as captains of industry and leading technology experts.
