In an ambitious initiative aimed at enhancing digital literacy and fostering innovation, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has successfully equipped 50 young innovators with advanced digital tools.
This empowerment comes as part of a broader effort involving over 900 youths who registered on the agency’s digital training platform.
During the empowerment program held in Enugu State, NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, emphasized that this initiative is pivotal in nurturing a tech-savvy generation ready to thrive in a swiftly changing digital economy.
Inuwa was represented at the event by Aristotle Onumo, the Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, who highlighted the significant role of the state governor in facilitating the successful launch and performance of the zonal office, now recognized among NITDA’s top-performing branches nationwide.
Inuwa underscored the importance of digital technology in driving global economic growth, pointing out projections that estimate the digital economy could contribute an impressive $23 trillion to global GDP in the coming years. He stressed that investing in digital skills today will lay the foundation for national prosperity in the future.
Out of the over 900 youths registered on NITDA’s digital training platform, 50 exceptional participants were awarded digital tools to enhance their skills and promote innovation. Additionally, 250 participants were acknowledged for their dedication and excellence throughout the training program.
“Nigeria must not only consume technology but create it. Innovation must become our currency, and digital skills must become the bridge to opportunity,” Inuwa emphasised, noting NITDA’s goal of achieving 70 percent digital literacy among Nigerians by 2027.
In his remarks, the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, described the festival as more than a technology conference; he said it was a reinforcement of intent and a validation of the state’s ambition to become a credible node in Nigeria’s growing innovation ecosystem.
Drawing a comparison between Enugu’s historic coal industry and its emerging digital future, he observed that while coal once powered industries across Europe and West Africa, the economic benefits largely left the state. Today, he argued, Enugu’s greatest resource is its people — their creativity, skills, and innovative potential.
By investing in technology, education, and digital infrastructure, Mbah envisions a future where the state harnesses local talent to generate value, turning ideas into globally competitive solutions and establishing Enugu as a hub of knowledge and digital innovation.
Referencing global technology giants such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Tesla, he stressed that control over digital infrastructure is key to economic leverage in the 21st century.
“Find what is broken, understand it deeply, and fix it properly,” he advised, underscoring that innovation is not about glamour but about solving real problems. He highlighted Enugu’s progress in embedding artificial intelligence in security operations, digitising core government functions, and introducing Geographic Information Systems in land administration to enhance efficiency and strengthen land rights.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology in Enugu, Prince Lawrence Ezeh, highlighted the progress made since the inaugural edition of the festival.
He noted that thousands of youths have been trained through digital skills initiatives, strategic partnerships have been launched including Nigeria’s largest tech hub initiative and technology clusters in blockchain and gaming have expanded, positioning Enugu as an emerging national tech leader.
Dr. Ezeh outlined the core objectives of ETF 2026: transforming businesses through innovative strategies aligned with the digital economy and strengthening communities by fostering collaboration and resilience.
