The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has taken a major step to deepen digital inclusion in Enugu State by equipping 50 young innovators with digital tools, while applauding the administration of Governor for its strong backing of the Agency’s South-East Zonal Office.
Speaking at the Enugu Tech Festival 2026, the Director General of NITDA, , represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, said the Governor’s commitment has been instrumental to the success of the zonal office, which is now regarded as one of the agency’s top-performing centres nationwide.
Inuwa noted that Enugu, once known as Nigeria’s coal city, is rapidly evolving into a knowledge-driven economy powered by innovation and youth talent. According to him, while coal once drove industries from beneath the earth, the state’s new energy source is the creativity, skills, and determination of its young population.
He emphasised the growing importance of digital technology in global development, citing projections that the digital economy could contribute up to $23 trillion to global GDP in the coming years. He stressed that building digital skills today is critical for national prosperity tomorrow.
As part of the programme, more than 900 youths registered on NITDA’s digital training platform. From this pool, 50 outstanding participants received digital devices to strengthen their skills and support innovation, while 250 others were recognised for their excellence and dedication during the training.
The NITDA DG reiterated the agency’s broader goal of moving Nigeria from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation and entrepreneurship. He also highlighted NITDA’s target of achieving 70 percent digital literacy among Nigerians by 2027, adding that the country must move from being a consumer of technology to becoming a creator of digital solutions.
Governor Mbah, in his remarks, described the festival as more than a tech conference, calling it a clear statement of Enugu State’s ambition to become a key hub in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. Drawing a comparison between the state’s coal heritage and its emerging digital future, he said that unlike in the past—when economic gains from coal largely left the state—today’s digital transformation will allow Enugu to harness its human capital for sustainable growth.
He stressed that people, not natural resources, are now the state’s greatest asset. According to him, by investing in education, digital infrastructure, and innovation, Enugu can transform ideas into globally competitive solutions.
Referencing global technology leaders, the Governor noted that control of digital infrastructure and innovation capacity is now central to economic power in the 21st century.
He urged young innovators to focus on solving real-world problems, stressing that innovation is not about glamour but about impact. He also highlighted key digital reforms in the state, including the use of artificial intelligence in security operations, digitisation of government services, and deployment of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to improve land administration and strengthen property rights.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology in Enugu State, Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, said the festival has grown significantly since its first edition. He revealed that thousands of youths have already benefited from digital skills programmes, while strategic partnerships and technology clusters in areas like blockchain and gaming are expanding rapidly.
Ezeh explained that the 2026 festival is focused on transforming businesses through digital innovation and strengthening communities through collaboration and resilience. He added that the state government is currently implementing reforms to integrate technology into governance, including real-time security systems, smart green schools, and modernised public service platforms.
The event attracted several high-profile dignitaries, including , Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria, and , Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, alongside top industry leaders and technology experts.
The initiative signals a growing shift in Enugu’s economic direction, positioning the state as an emerging hub for digital innovation and a key player in Nigeria’s technology-driven future.
