The Enugu Tech Festival (ETF), set to take place in May this year, has received a significant boost as the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, announced plans to elevate the event to a national level.
During a working visit to Enugu State, the minister revealed his commitment to personally attending the festival and expanding its reach to attract tech professionals from across the country. The initiative aligns with the broader collaboration between the state and the federal government to advance technological innovation, digital infrastructure, and entrepreneurship in the Southeast region.
Dr. Tijani commended Governor Peter Mbah for his visionary leadership in fostering innovation and technological development. He highlighted the governor’s achievements in infrastructure, education, and industry, noting how these advancements provide a solid foundation for a thriving digital economy that will empower the youth of Enugu.
Groundbreaking Initiatives for Enugu’s Tech Ecosystem
As part of efforts to transform the state’s technological landscape, the minister announced several major initiatives, including:
Project 774 Connectivity Initiative
Aimed at providing internet access to all 17 local government secretariats in Enugu, this project is powered by Galaxy Backbone and NIGCOMSAT. It will enhance seamless connectivity for government offices and the public, leading to improved governance and service delivery.
Digital Innovation Complex
A collaboration between Galaxy Backbone and the Enugu State government, this hub will foster technological growth, digital innovation, training, and entrepreneurial support. It will connect over 200 state-owned institutions, including schools, healthcare centers, and government offices, ensuring reliable internet access across the state.
Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) Expansion
The federal government will extend internet access to underserved areas by installing a new base station and laying 15 kilometers of fiber optic cable for high-speed internet. As part of this initiative, computer laboratories will be set up in a secondary school and a tertiary institution in Enugu.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Regional Centre
To advance AI research and development, a regional AI center will be established at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for AI innovation in the South East.
Cybersecurity Training
The federal government plans to train 100 cybersecurity professionals in Enugu to strengthen the state’s digital security capabilities as part of a nationwide effort.
Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) Initiative
By 2027, the DL4ALL initiative aims to equip 1.155 million Enugu residents with essential digital skills. The program will prioritize underserved groups, including artisans, market women, civil servants, and students, ensuring widespread participation in the digital economy.
Dr. Tijani also expressed satisfaction with the success of the 3MTT Programme in Enugu, which has received over 14,000 applications. The program is set to train more than 150,000 fellows, equipping them with digital skills for a rapidly evolving economy.
Additional Key Projects
Further strengthening the tech ecosystem in Enugu, the minister announced the establishment of:
- A Tier III Data Centre to support digital operations.
- A Co-working Space to foster tech entrepreneurship and SME growth.
- An Incubation Hub to provide mentorship, funding, and support for tech startups.
With these ambitious projects, the federal government and Enugu State are positioning the region as a hub for digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement. The elevation of the Enugu Tech Festival to a national status marks a significant step in Nigeria’s broader digital transformation agenda.
