The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has trained over 900 youths in Enugu state in digital skills, with 50 outstanding participants receiving digital tools to advance their tech driven ventures.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa on Wednesday, the programme reflects the Federal Government’s determination to shift Nigeria from a resource based economy to one powered by knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Inuwa who was represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, added that it also formed part of broader efforts to accelerate digital literacy and innovation across the South-East, while strengthening the operations of NITDA’s zonal office in the region.
He disclosed that more than 900 young people enrolled on the agency’s digital training platform, with 250 recognised for exceptional performance and 50 beneficiaries provided with digital tools to scale their ideas into viable enterprises.
According to him, projections show that the global digital economy could contribute as much as $23 trillion to global GDP in the coming years, underscoring the urgency for Nigeria to invest heavily in digital capacity.
“Nigeria must not only consume technology but create it. Innovation must become our currency,” he said, reiterating NITDA’s goal of achieving 70 per cent digital literacy nationwide by 2027.
NITDA also commended Governor Peter Mbah for his administration’s support in establishing the Agency’s South-East Zonal Office, describing the office as one of the best-performing across the country.
In his remarks, Governor Mbah said the initiative aligns with the state government’s strategy to reposition Enugu as a credible node in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
He described the event as a validation of the state’s resolve to build a technology-driven economy anchored on local talent.
Drawing comparisons between Enugu’s coal heritage and its digital aspirations, the governor noted that while coal once powered industries beyond Nigeria’s borders, the wealth did not sufficiently translate into sustainable local prosperity.
He stressed that the state is now investing in digital infrastructure, education and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence driven security systems and Geographic Information Systems for land administration, to ensure efficiency, transparency and economic growth.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, said the initiative builds on gains recorded through previous tech festivals and partnerships, adding that technology clusters in blockchain and gaming are expanding across the state.
Among dignitaries present were Anna Vesterholm, Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria, and Aminu Maida of the Nigerian Communications Commission, alongside industry stakeholders and technology experts.
