From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has declared that technology and innovation are central to his administration’s transformation agenda, calling on young people in the state to seize emerging opportunities in the sector.
Speaking on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the second edition of the Enugu Tech Festival held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, Mbah noted that technology has evolved beyond a supportive tool to become the framework upon which modern life operates.
“The world has crossed a line. What we are witnessing in our lifetime is nothing short of an economic renaissance powered by technology.
“In just three decades, companies that began in garages and dorm rooms have grown into some of the most valuable institutions in human history.
“Enterprises like Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta Platforms have reshaped commerce, communication, entertainment, finance, governance, and even human relationships.
“The rise of these companies tells us something profound: the world economy is no longer driven primarily by physical assets, but by ideas, code, data, and innovation. We are witnessing the acceleration of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“Here in Enugu, we have made a deliberate decision: we will not be spectators in this revolution. We will be participants. We will be producers,” he stated.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the strides recorded so far, stressing that through imagination and courage, his administration is laying the groundwork for a resilient state driven by functional infrastructure, digitised institutions, and an education system that produces solution-oriented graduates.
“In three years, we moved from concept to execution. We strengthened security, not only through manpower, but through AI-embedded systems that allow faster response and better oversight.
“We invested in roads, transport and essential services. We expanded the state’s digital backbone and are building the foundation for reliable electricity.
“We moved core government functions onto digital platforms. Processes became traceable. Delays reduced. Decision-making improved. Governance began to operate with greater clarity and efficiency.
“We introduced Geographic Information Systems into land administration. This has reduced processing time, safeguarded land rights, and brought credibility to our real estate market, earning national recognition for excellence in geographic information services,” he said.
Mbah further highlighted reforms in the education sector, explaining that students across the state are now exposed to digital tools, robotics, mechatronics, artificial intelligence and applied engineering as part of routine learning. He added that innovation hubs were also established to nurture talents beyond the classroom and encouraged youths to maximise these platforms.
“Our statewide learning system encourages collaboration across fields rather than isolation, with technological systems embedded throughout. So, there is no reason the next breakthrough in edtech, fintech, agritech, or healthtech cannot emerge from Enugu State.
“Therefore, I say this to our youth: Master artificial intelligence; study robotics; learn cybersecurity; explore semiconductor design; build products that solve real problems.
“A hundred years ago, Enugu was known for what it extracted – coal. Let this generation be known for what it designs,” Mbah concluded.
Also speaking, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, urged young people in the state to take advantage of the foundation being laid by the governor for long-term prosperity.
“This is not a governor that will just be giving you something that is going to make you happy today and tomorrow, then after you are wondering what you are going to do with your life.
“This is a man of vision, a man who is thinking about sustainability. He is giving you a foundation that is going to outlive his tenure as a governor.
“The work he is doing – the Smart Schools, the value chain and the ecosystem he is building around them – is what will make the real difference in your lives. Grab the opportunities with both hands,” he stated.
Similarly, Founder and Chairman of Zinox Group, Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, encouraged youths to have confidence in their abilities, asserting that the structures put in place by the Mbah administration would eliminate poverty among Enugu indigenes.
“The Governor has given you Smart Schools and made education compulsory. I do not know why any person in Enugu should be poor. Today’s world is open, and you have access to knowledge,” the business mogul stated.
In his welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, described the festival as a significant milestone in the state’s digital evolution. According to him, Enugu has grown into one of Nigeria’s foremost tech ecosystems, with thousands of youths trained through various initiatives and innovation hubs introduced since the maiden tech festival in 2025.
Ezeh said the event aims to deepen partnerships, unveil pilot projects in agriculture, healthcare and green energy, promote sustainable enterprise practices, and broaden digital infrastructure across the state.
Drawing from personal experience, the Managing Director of Tenece Group, Kingsley Eze, advised youths to harness the enabling environment created by the present administration to thrive in technology and innovation.
“The Enugu of 2008 we started in is completely different from the Enugu of today. There is a Governor today who understands the place of tech and he is working seriously, building the very rudiments and some of the capabilities that are required to build a tech favourable environment,” he said.
The festival drew participation from leading technology companies, senior government officials and members of the diplomatic community, including the Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria, Anna Westteholm, and the Consul General of Denmark in Lagos, Mrs. Jette Bjerrum.
