Enugu, Nigeria – 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, in a step toward deepening digital inclusion in Enugu State.
Okay News reports that 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.
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. Inuwa emphasised that Nigeria must not only consume technology but create it, noting NITDA’s goal of achieving 70 percent digital literacy among Nigerians by 2027.
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 node in Nigeria’s growing innovation ecosystem. He observed that while coal once powered industries across Europe and West Africa, the economic benefits largely left the state. Today, Enugu’s greatest resource is its people, their creativity, skills, and innovative potential.
Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, highlighted 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. 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, and Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, alongside captains of industry and leading technology experts. The initiative aligns with NITDA’s broader strategy to shift the nation from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology. Sustained investment in digital literacy will be critical to achieving the Agency’s 2027 target and ensuring that Nigeria’s youth can compete globally. Expanding digital literacy across states like Enugu demonstrates the potential of targeted interventions to transform local economies.
