Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, says the federal government will give the forthcoming maiden Enugu Tech Festival scheduled for May 6-9, 2025, national and global exposure.
Tijani announced plans to elevate the event into a national platform after unveiling the logo, and vest of the upcoming tech festival during his two-day working visit to Enugu State on Saturday.
The minister revealed that he would personally attend the festival and ensure its expansion to attract tech professionals from across the country and globally.
According to him, the Enugu Tech Festival will help to strengthen the ongoing collaboration between the state and the federal government in advancing technological innovation, digital infrastructure and digital entrepreneurship in the region.
Tijani commended the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah over his personal vision in fostering innovation and technological development in Enugu State, and among the youths.
“This is a governor that understands and believes in the potentials of technology and innovation,” the minister said, while lauding the governor’s deployment of technology and innovation in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, and industry.
He added that these advancements lay the foundation for a vibrant digital economy that will empower the youths.
The minister however, outlined a series of groundbreaking initiatives aimed at further transforming Enugu’s technological landscape.
“The ministry, through its Project 774 Connectivity Initiative, will bring internet access to 17 local government secretariats across the state.
“Powered by Galaxy Backbone and NIGCOMSAT, the initiative will ensure seamless connectivity for government offices and public, facilitating efficient governance.
“In addition, the collaboration between Galaxy Backbone and Enugu State will lead to the establishment of a digital innovation complex. This facility will serve as a hub for technological growth, offering digital innovation, training, and entrepreneurial support.
“It will also connect over 200 state-owned institutions, including schools, healthcare centers, and government offices, to reliable internet services, further enhancing the state’s digital infrastructure,” he said.
Tijani announced the Federal Government’s plan to extend internet access to underserved areas in the state through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), adding that this will include the installation of a new base station and the laying of 15-kilometers of fiber optic cable to provide high-speed internet.
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He revealed plans to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) regional centre at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, adding that the centre will become a focal point for AI research and development in the South-East, offering state-of-the-art facilities to foster innovation in AI.
Responding, the Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, expressed gratitude to the federal government and the minister for his support and commitment to the development of Enugu’s technological landscape.
Ezeh also took the opportunity to laud Gov. Mbah for his visionary leadership in driving tech governance and fostering a robust digital economy in the state.
He emphasised that the Enugu Tech Festival is one of the flagship projects championed by Gov. Mbah, designed to empower youths and create opportunities for the next generation in emerging technologies, particularly in robotics and other cutting-edge fields.
The commissioner reiterated that the governor’s forward-thinking approach is aimed at positioning Enugu State as a hub for innovation, setting the stage for the youths to lead the change in the evolving digital economy.
