Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has charged youths in the state to leverage technology and innovation, describing them as central to Enugu’s transformation agenda.
He gave the charge at the opening of the second edition of the Enugu Tech Festival 2026 held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.
Mbah said technology had transcended a supportive role and had 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.
“In just three decades, companies that began in garages and dorm rooms have grown into some of the most valuable institutions in human history.
“Enterprises like Apple Inc., Microsoft, Alphabet Inc., Amazon and Meta Platforms have reshaped commerce, communication, entertainment, finance, governance and even human relationships.
“The rise of these companies tells us something profound: the global economy is no longer driven primarily by physical assets, but by ideas, code, data 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.
Mbah said his administration, with imagination and courage, was building a resilient state where infrastructure works, institutions are digitised, schools produce problem-solvers, and technology runs seamlessly across sectors.
“In three years, we moved from concept to execution. We strengthened security not only through manpower, but through AI-embedded systems that enable faster response and better oversight.
“We invested in roads, transport and essential services. We expanded the state’s digital backbone and are laying the foundation for reliable electricity.
“We migrated core government functions to digital platforms. Processes became traceable, delays reduced, decision-making improved and governance began to operate with greater clarity and efficiency.
“We introduced Geographic Information Systems into land administration. This has reduced processing time, safeguarded land rights and enhanced credibility in our real estate market, earning national recognition for excellence in geographic information services,” he said.
The governor added that beyond reforming the formal education system to enable students research, design and test solutions using digital tools — including robotics, mechatronics, artificial intelligence and applied engineering — his administration had also established innovation hubs to nurture talents outside the classroom.
“Our statewide learning system encourages collaboration across disciplines, with technology embedded throughout. There is no reason the next breakthrough in edtech, fintech, agritech or healthtech cannot emerge from Enugu.
“Therefore, I say to our youths: master artificial intelligence; study robotics; learn cybersecurity; explore semiconductor design; build products that solve real problems.
“A hundred years ago, Enugu was known for what it extracted — coal. Let this generation be known for what it designs,” Mbah concluded.
Meanwhile, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, urged youths to take full advantage of the opportunities being created by the governor.
“This is not a governor who will give you something that makes you happy today and tomorrow, only for you to wonder about your future.
“This is a man of vision who is thinking about sustainability. He is laying a foundation that will outlive his tenure.
“The Smart Schools, the value chain and the ecosystem being built around them are what will make the real difference in your lives. Grab these opportunities with both hands,” he said.
In the same vein, Founder and Chairman of Zinox Group, Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, urged youths to believe in themselves, saying the foundation being laid by the Mbah administration would reduce poverty in the state.
“The governor has provided Smart Schools and made education compulsory. I do not see why any young person in Enugu should be poor. The world is open and you have access to knowledge,” he said.
In his welcome address, the state’s Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, described the festival as a defining moment in Enugu’s digital journey, noting that the state had emerged as one of Nigeria’s leading tech ecosystems, with thousands of youths trained through various initiatives and innovation hubs since the inaugural tech festival in 2025.
Ezeh said the objectives of the festival include strengthening partnerships, launching pilot projects in agriculture, healthcare and green energy, promoting sustainable business practices, and expanding digital infrastructure.
Also speaking, Managing Director of Tenece Group, Kingsley Eze, urged youths to look inward and take advantage of the enabling environment created by the current administration.
“The Enugu of 2008, when we started, is completely different from the Enugu of today. We now have a governor who understands technology and is building the rudiments and capabilities required for a tech-friendly environment,” he said.
The event attracted tech industry leaders, 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.
