By The digital literacy campaign of the National Information and Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has made a landmark in the coal city of Enugu, Southeast Nigeria with over 900 youths registering on NITDA’s digital training platform, while 50 others received digital tools to enhance their skills and foster innovation. Additionally, 250 participants were recognised for their dedication and excellence throughout the training.
The three developments took place at the South-East Zonal Office of NITDA where the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah was commended for his pivotal support of the Agency’s activities.
NITDA’s Director General Kashifu Inuwa, described the Governor’s commitment as instrumental to the successful launch and rapid performance of the Zonal Office, now recognised as one of NITDA’s top-performing offices nationwide.
Inuwa who was represented by the Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships Dr. Aristotle Onumo, said: “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.”
He cited projections that the digital economy could contribute up to $23 trillion to global GDP in the coming years, stressing that investment in digital skills today will shape national prosperity tomorrow.
“Nigeria must not only consume technology but create it. Innovation must become our currency, and digital skills must become the bridge to opportunity,” Inuwa stated.
Mbah, in his remarks, described the festival as more than a technology conference, calling it “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.
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.
Earlier, Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, 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.
He also revealed ongoing reforms to embed technology across governance and public services, including advanced real-time security systems, smart green schools, and modernised public service platforms.
