The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has reaffirmed that technology and innovation remain central to the state’s transformation agenda, urging young people to seize emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
Mbah spoke on Tuesday at the opening of the second edition of the Enugu Tech Festival held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu. He declared that technology has evolved beyond a supportive tool to become the “operating system” of modern life.
“The world has crossed a line. What we are witnessing in our lifetime is nothing short of an economic renaissance powered by technology,” the governor said.
He pointed to the rise of global tech giants such as Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet Inc., Amazon, and Meta Platforms as evidence that the global economy is increasingly driven by ideas, data, and innovation rather than physical assets.
According to him, Enugu has made a deliberate decision not to be a spectator in what he described as the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“Here in Enugu, we will not be spectators in this revolution. We will be participants. We will be producers,” he stated.
Highlighting progress made under his administration, Mbah said the state had transitioned from concept to execution within three years, embedding technology across governance and public services.
He disclosed that security architecture had been strengthened using AI-embedded systems to improve response time and oversight. Core government functions have also been digitised to enhance transparency, reduce delays, and improve decision-making.
The governor added that the introduction of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into land administration has reduced processing time, safeguarded land rights, and boosted investor confidence in the state’s real estate market.
Beyond governance, Mbah said his administration has expanded digital infrastructure and laid the foundation for more reliable electricity supply to support innovation-driven growth.
A major focus of the administration, he noted, is education reform. The governor said schools across the state are now integrating digital tools into everyday learning, exposing students to robotics, mechatronics, artificial intelligence, and applied engineering.
Innovation hubs have also been established to nurture talent outside the formal school system.
“Master artificial intelligence; study robotics; learn cybersecurity; explore semiconductor design; build products that solve real problems,” he charged the youth.
Drawing a historical parallel, Mbah added:
“A hundred years ago, Enugu was known for what it extracted — coal. Let this generation be known for what it designs.”
National and Industry Endorsements
The Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Aminu Maida, commended the governor’s long-term vision, describing it as a foundation that would outlive his tenure.
He urged youths to take advantage of initiatives such as Smart Schools and the broader innovation ecosystem being developed across the state.
Similarly, Founder and Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, encouraged young people to believe in their potential, stating that access to quality education and technology eliminates excuses for poverty in today’s digital world.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, described the festival as a defining moment in Enugu’s digital journey. He noted that thousands of youths have been trained through various initiatives and innovation hubs established since the inaugural tech festival in 2025.
Ezeh outlined key objectives of the festival, including strengthening partnerships, launching pilot projects in agriculture, healthcare, and green energy, promoting sustainable business practices, and expanding digital infrastructure.
The Managing Director of Tenece Group, Kingsley Eze, also praised the evolving tech ecosystem in Enugu, noting that the current administration has created an enabling environment that did not exist years ago.
The event attracted major players in the tech industry, government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps, including the Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria, Anna Westteholm, and the Consul General of Denmark in Lagos, Mrs. Jette Bjerrum.
As Enugu positions itself as a rising tech hub in Nigeria, the second edition of the festival signals the state’s ambition to transition from a resource-based legacy to a knowledge-driven future.
Pictures from the event
