The Enugu Tech Festival (ETF), scheduled for May 6th to 9th, 2025, has received a significant boost, with the Federal Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, announcing plans to elevate the event into a national platform.
Speaking during a working visit to Enugu State on Thursday, the minister revealed that he would personally attend the festival and ensure its expansion to attract tech professionals from across the country.
Dr Tijani made the announcement at a dinner hosted in his honour in Enugu.
The Enugu Tech Festival, he said will help to strengthen the ongoing collaboration between the state and federal government in advancing technological innovation, digital infrastructure, and entrepreneurship in the region.
In his address, the minister commended the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah, praising his vision for fostering innovation and technological development in Enugu. Dr. Tijani lauded the governor’s achievements in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, and industry, highlighting how these advancements lay the foundation for a vibrant digital economy that will empower the state’s youth.
The minister then outlined a series of groundbreaking initiatives aimed at further transforming Enugu’s technological landscape. One of the most significant announcements was the launch of the Project 774 Connectivity Initiative, a project designed to bring internet access to all 17 local government secretariats across the state. Powered by Galaxy Backbone and NIGCOMSAT, the initiative will ensure seamless connectivity for government offices and the public, facilitating efficient governance and service delivery.
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 centres, and government offices, to reliable internet services, further enhancing the state’s digital infrastructure.
Addressing rural connectivity, Dr. Tijani announced the federal government’s plan to extend internet access to underserved areas in the state through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF). This effort will include the installation of a new base station and the laying of 15 kilometres of fibre optic cable to provide high-speed internet. As part of this initiative, computer laboratories will be set up in one secondary school and one tertiary institution in Enugu.
Expanding on the federal government’s broader technological agenda, Dr. Tijani revealed plans to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Regional Centre at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. This 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 artificial intelligence.
In further support of the region’s digital transformation, the minister announced the launch of the South East Zonal Office of NITDA in Enugu. The new office will serve as a digital learning and capacity-building centre, enhancing digital literacy and preparing residents to participate in the global digital economy. As part of this initiative, Dr Tijani revealed plans to train 100 cybersecurity professionals in Enugu, boosting the state’s cybersecurity capabilities as part of a nationwide effort.
The Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, which will train 1.155 million Enugu residents in essential digital skills by 2027, was also highlighted. This program will prioritize underserved groups, including artisans, market women, civil servants, and students, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage with the digital economy.
Dr Tijani also expressed satisfaction with the success of the 3MTT Programme in Enugu, which has already received over 14,000 applications. The program aims to empower the youth by equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital economy and to train over 150,000 fellows in the state.
Other key projects unveiled included the establishment of a Tier III Data Centre, a Co-working Space for tech entrepreneurs and SMEs, and an Incubation Hub to support innovation and provide mentorship and funding to tech startups. These initiatives are set to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on sustainable economic growth, digital infrastructure, and inclusive development.
Dr. Tijani emphasized the importance of the joint federal-state partnership in driving the success of these projects. A special committee will be formed to oversee the implementation, ensuring that the collaboration between the two levels of government continues to yield tangible benefits for the people of Enugu and Nigeria at large.
In response, the Enugu Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, expressed his gratitude to the Minister for his support and commitment to the development of Enugu’s technological landscape.
Dr Ezeh also took the opportunity to praise Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for his visionary leadership in driving tech governance and fostering a robust digital economy in the state. He emphasized that the Enugu Tech Festival (ETF) is one of the flagship projects championed by Governor Mbah, designed to empower the youth 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 aims to position Enugu as a hub for innovation, setting the stage for the youth to lead the charge in the evolving digital economy.
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