In a strategic move to cement the South-East as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s digital future, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has equipped 50 young innovators in Enugu State with high-end digital tools. The initiative is part of a broader mission to drive digital inclusion and transition the region from a resource-dependent economy to a knowledge-based powerhouse.
Speaking at the event, NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, praised the visionary leadership of Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State.
He noted that the Governor’s support has propelled the NITDA South-East Zonal Office to become one of the agency’s top-performing hubs nationwide.
“Enugu was once an energy capital powering industries from beneath the earth,” Inuwa’s message read, referencing the city’s history as a coal hub. Today, the energy driving Enugu is the creativity, talent, and determination of its young people.”
The Director General highlighted the staggering stakes of the global digital shift, citing projections that the digital economy could contribute up to $23 trillion to global GDP in the coming years.
NITDA has set an ambitious target of 70% digital literacy by 2027 to ensure Nigeria claims its share of this wealth. Over 900 youths registered on the agency’s digital training platform as part of the recent empowerment initiative. Additionally, 50 outstanding participants received specialized digital tools to support their innovation. The program also recognized 250 participants for their excellence and dedication throughout the training.
“Nigeria must not only consume technology but create it. Innovation must become our currency,” Inuwa emphasized.
Governor Peter Mbah described the gathering as more than just a tech conference, calling it a reinforcement of intent. Drawing a sharp contrast between the old coal industry, where wealth often left the state and the new digital era, Mbah argued that the state’s greatest resource is now its human capital.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, showcased the state’s rapid progress since the festival’s inception. He pointed to the launch of Nigeria’s largest tech hub initiative and the expansion of specialized clusters in blockchain and gaming.
The event (ETF 2026) featured a high-profile guest list, including the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Vesterholm, and the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Aminu Maida, signaling strong international and regulatory interest in the region’s growth.