NITDA empowers 50 Enugu youths with digital tools, lauds Gov. Mbah

*Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, affirms empowerment of 50 young innovators with digital tools supports investment in digital skills in Enugu State towards shaping national prosperity

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in a significant step towards deepening digital inclusion, has empowered 50 young innovators with digital tools, in Enugu State, South-East Nigeria.

NITDA, at the event, commended Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for his pivotal support of the agency’s South-East Zonal Office.

Delivering the goodwill message on the occasion, Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, represented at the event, described Mbah’s commitment as instrumental in the successful launch and rapid performance of the Zonal Office.

The agency affirmed the facility is now recognised as one of NITDA’s top-performing offices nationwide.

Inuwa, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships at NITDA “Enugu, historically known as Nigeria’s coal city, is undergoing a transition from natural-resource reliance to a knowledge-driven economy.

“Enugu was once an energy capital powering industries from beneath the earth.”

The Director-General stated: “Today, the energy driving Enugu is the creativity, talent, and determination of its young people.”

Highlighting the role of digital technology in global economic growth, Inuwa cited projections that the digital economy could contribute up to $23 trillion to global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the coming years.

He also emphasised that investment in digital skills today would shape national prosperity tomorrow.

The Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency said as part of the initiative, over 900 youths registered on NITDA’s digital training platform, with 50 outstanding participants receiving digital tools to enhance their skills and foster innovation. Additionally, 250 participants were recognised for their dedication and excellence throughout the training.

The Director-General of NITDA noted: “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 the NITDA’s goal of achieving 70 percent digital literacy among Nigerians by 2027. The initiative aligns with the agency’s broader strategy to shift Nigeria from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology.

Speaking at the event, Governor Peter Mbah described the festival as more than a technology conference.

Mbah called 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, the governor observed that while coal once powered industries across Europe and West Africa, the economic benefits largely left the state.

According to him, as of now, Enugu’s greatest resource is its people—their creativity, skills, and innovative potential.

By investing in technology, education, and digital infrastructure, Mbah noted his vision of 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, Governor Mbah stressed that control over digital infrastructure is the key to economic leverage in the 21st Century.

He further stated: “Find what is broken, understand it deeply, and fix it properly.”

The governor as well underscored that innovation is not about glamour but solving real problems.

He highlighted Enugu’s progress in embedding Artificial Intelligence (AI) 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, had delivered the welcoming address.

Ezeh highlighted the progress made since the inaugural edition of the festival.

The Commissioner also noted that thousands of youths had been trained in digital skills initiatives, and strategic partnerships launched, including Nigeria’s largest tech hub initiative, and technology clusters in blockchain.

Clusters in gaming have been expanded, positioning Enugu as an emerging national tech leader.

Dr. Ezeh also outlined the core objectives of ETF 2026, which is transforming businesses through innovative strategies aligned with the digital economy, and strengthening communities by fostering collaboration and resilience.

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.

Other dignitaries in attendance included Anna Vesterholm, Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria; Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); alongside captains of industry and leading technology experts in the country.

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Caption………

Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, Represented by Aristotle Onumo, PhD, Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships at NITDA, with Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Presenting a Computer NITDA Donated to a Beneficiary of the Digital Skills Acceleration Competition at the Enugu Tech Festival (ETF 2026), in Enugu State Photo: NITDA