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NITDA Advances Digital Inclusion in Enugu
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has taken a major step toward deepening digital inclusion in Enugu State. It recently empowered 50 young innovators with digital tools while commending Governor Peter Mbah for his strong support of the agency’s South-East zonal office.
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Delivering a goodwill message at the event, NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, described the governor’s backing as critical to the successful launch and rapid performance of the zonal office. The office is now ranked among NITDA’s top-performing offices nationwide.
From Coal City to Knowledge Economy
Abdullahi noted that Enugu, historically recognised as Nigeria’s coal city, is transitioning from dependence on natural resources to a knowledge-driven digital 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’s message stated.
Abdullahi further highlighted the global impact of digital technology. He cited projections that the digital economy could contribute up to $23 trillion to global GDP. According to him, countries investing in digital skills today are positioning themselves for long-term prosperity.
Youth Empowerment Through Digital Skills
As part of the initiative, over 900 youths registered on NITDA’s digital training platform. From this pool, 50 outstanding participants received digital tools to accelerate skills development and innovation, while 250 participants were recognised for excellence and commitment during the programme.
Abdullahi reiterated NITDA’s ambition to achieve 70% digital literacy nationwide by 2027, emphasising that Nigeria must evolve from being a consumer of technology to a creator of digital solutions.
“Innovation must become our currency, and digital skills the bridge to opportunity,” he said.
Governor Mbah: Technology as Enugu’s New Resource
Governor Peter Mbah described the festival as more than a technology gathering, calling it “a reinforcement of intent” and validation of Enugu’s ambition to become a credible node in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
Drawing parallels between Enugu’s historic coal industry and its digital future, Mbah observed that while coal once powered industries across Europe and West Africa, the economic benefits largely bypassed the state. Today, he said, Enugu’s greatest asset is its people—their creativity, skills, and innovative capacity.
He outlined the state’s progress in embedding artificial intelligence in security operations, digitising core government functions, and deploying Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in land administration to improve efficiency and strengthen land rights.
Building an Emerging Tech Hub
Earlier, the Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, highlighted the state’s digital progress since the inaugural edition of the festival.
According to him, thousands of youths have been trained through digital skills programmes, strategic partnerships—including Nigeria’s largest tech hub initiative—have been launched, and technology clusters in blockchain and gaming have expanded, positioning Enugu as an emerging national tech leader.
He explained that ETF 2026 focuses on transforming businesses through digital innovation and strengthening communities through collaboration, resilience, and technology-driven governance reforms.
Dignitaries and Stakeholder Engagement
The event attracted high-level dignitaries, including Anna Vesterholm, Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, as well as captains of industry and leading technology experts.
Outlook
With sustained collaboration between NITDA and the Enugu State Government, stakeholders say the state is steadily positioning itself as a hub for digital innovation, talent development, and inclusive economic growth in Nigeria’s South-East.
