In a major push to advance digital inclusion in Enugu State, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has equipped 50 promising young innovators with digital tools, while commending Governor Peter Mbah for his strong backing of the Agency’s South-East Zonal Office.
Speaking at the event, NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, praised Governor Mbah’s commitment, describing it as critical to the successful establishment and rapid growth of the Enugu Zonal Office—now ranked among NITDA’s best-performing offices nationwide.
Inuwa noted that Enugu, once celebrated as Nigeria’s coal city, is transitioning from dependence on natural resources to a knowledge-based economy powered by digital innovation. “Enugu once generated energy from beneath the earth,” the DG stated. “Today, the true energy of Enugu lies in the creativity, talent, and resilience of its youth.”
He further highlighted projections that the global digital economy could contribute up to $23 trillion to global GDP in the coming years, stressing that strategic investment in digital skills today is key to unlocking long-term national prosperity.
As part of the initiative, more than 900 youths enrolled on NITDA’s digital training platform, with 50 exceptional participants receiving digital devices to strengthen their innovation capacity. An additional 250 participants were recognised for outstanding commitment and performance throughout the programme.
Emphasising the importance of homegrown innovation, Inuwa stated, “Nigeria must move from being a consumer of technology to becoming a creator. Innovation must become our currency, and digital skills must serve as the bridge to opportunity.” He reiterated NITDA’s target of achieving 70 percent digital literacy nationwide by 2027, in line with its broader vision of transforming Nigeria into a knowledge-driven economy anchored on technology and entrepreneurship.
In his remarks, Governor Peter Mbah described the festival as more than a technology gathering, calling it “a reinforcement of intent” and a confirmation of Enugu’s ambition to become a strategic hub within Nigeria’s growing innovation ecosystem. Drawing parallels between the state’s historic coal industry and its emerging digital landscape, he noted that while coal once powered industries beyond Enugu, the wealth largely flowed outward. Today, he said, the state’s greatest asset is its people—their ideas, skills, and innovative potential.
By investing in digital infrastructure, education, and technology-driven governance, Mbah envisions Enugu evolving into a centre of excellence where local talent develops globally competitive solutions. Referencing global technology leaders such as Apple Inc., Microsoft, Amazon, Meta Platforms, and Tesla Inc., he stressed that ownership and control of digital infrastructure define economic power in the 21st century.
“Identify what is broken, understand it thoroughly, and fix it properly,” the Governor advised, underscoring that meaningful innovation is rooted in solving real-world problems. He highlighted the state’s strides in deploying artificial intelligence for security operations, digitising government processes, and integrating Geographic Information Systems into land administration to improve efficiency and safeguard land rights.
Earlier, the Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, welcomed participants and outlined progress made since the festival’s inception. He revealed that thousands of youths have benefited from digital skills training initiatives, landmark partnerships—including Nigeria’s largest tech hub project have been established, and specialised clusters in blockchain and gaming have expanded, positioning Enugu as a rising force in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
Dr. Ezeh also detailed the objectives of ETF 2026, which include transforming businesses through digital economy-aligned strategies and strengthening communities through collaboration and resilience. He disclosed ongoing reforms to embed technology across governance and public service delivery, including real-time security systems, smart green schools, and upgraded digital public platforms.
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 industry leaders and technology experts.