Mbah Unveils Bold Tech Vision as Enugu Hosts 2nd Innovation Festival
— Says technology is central to state’s transformation
Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, on Tuesday declared open the second edition of the Enugu Tech Festival, reiterating that technology and innovation remain the driving force behind his administration’s transformation agenda.
Speaking at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, the governor described the global shift toward a technology-powered economy as an economic renaissance, urging youths in the state to position themselves at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“The world has crossed a line. What we are witnessing in our lifetime is nothing short of an economic renaissance powered by technology,” Mbah said.
He noted that in just three decades, companies that began in garages and dormitories had evolved into some of the most valuable institutions in history, reshaping commerce, communication, entertainment, governance and human relationships.
According to him, global enterprises such as Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet Inc., Amazon and Meta Platforms have demonstrated that the global economy is no longer driven primarily by physical assets, but by ideas, data, code 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.
Digital governance, infrastructure expansion
Mbah expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, noting that within three years, his administration had moved from concept to execution in key sectors.
He disclosed that security architecture in the state had been strengthened through the deployment of AI-embedded systems for faster response and improved oversight. He added that investments had been made in roads, transport and essential services, alongside expansion of the state’s digital backbone and groundwork for reliable electricity.
The governor further revealed that core government functions had been digitised to enhance transparency, reduce delays and improve decision-making.
He said the introduction of Geographic Information Systems in land administration had significantly reduced processing time, safeguarded land rights and enhanced the credibility of the state’s real estate market, earning national recognition.
Smart Schools, innovation hubs
Highlighting reforms in the education sector, Mbah said the state had transformed its formal education system to enable students to research, design and test ideas using digital tools, with exposure to robotics, mechatronics, artificial intelligence and applied engineering.
He added that innovation hubs had been established to nurture talents outside the formal school system.
“Our statewide learning system encourages collaboration across fields rather than isolation. There is no reason the next breakthrough in edtech, fintech, agritech or healthtech cannot emerge from Enugu State,” he said.
He challenged youths to master artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity and semiconductor design, and to build products that solve real-life problems.
“A hundred years ago, Enugu was known for what it extracted — coal. Let this generation be known for what it designs,” he added.
NCC boss, Zinox foubder commend governor
In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, described Mbah as a visionary leader laying a sustainable foundation for the future.
“This is a governor who is thinking beyond today. The Smart Schools initiative and the ecosystem being built around them will outlive his tenure. Young people must seize these opportunities,” Maida said.
Also speaking, Chairman of Zinox Group, Dr Leo Stan Ekeh, urged youths in the state to believe in themselves, stressing that with compulsory education and Smart Schools in place, poverty should no longer be an option.
“Today’s world is open and knowledge is accessible. With what the governor has put in place, no Enugu person should be poor,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Lawrence Ezeh, described the festival as a defining moment in the state’s digital journey, noting that thousands of youths had been trained through various initiatives and innovation hubs established since the inaugural edition in 2025.
He outlined the festival’s objectives to include strengthening partnerships, launching pilot projects in agriculture, healthcare and green energy, promoting sustainable business practices and expanding digital infrastructure.
Managing Director of Tenece Group, Mr Kingsley Eze, also commended the administration, stating that the Enugu of today presents a far more enabling environment for tech-driven enterprises compared to 2008 when his company began operations.
The event attracted major tech players, government officials and members of the diplomatic corps, including the Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria and the Consul General of Denmark in Lagos.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
