…As Tijani describes Enugu as Nigeria’s most promising frontiers for innovation.
Governor of Enugu state ,Peter Mbah has called for diversification of Nigeria’s economy through the emerging Information Technology , just as the minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani has hailed Enugu state government for taking the lead in Information Technology., describing the state as” Nigeria’s most promising frontiers for innovation”.
The Governor made the call Wednesday, while performing the official opening of the South East Zonal office of the National Information Technology Development Agency ( NITDA) in Enugu
He said the decision to open the office was as a result of the compelling need to diversify the economy which he believed that investment in the Information Technology space would do the magic.
“I’ll first of all say that the need and urgency to diversify our economy, both at national and sub-national level has never been more compelling than now and there are few sectors that hold the opportunities for us to accomplish that like the Information Technology space.
“Just having the opportunities without bringing them to fruition won’t just cut it for us. The fact that the opportunities exist, we must earn it first and for me, I think that is what the building here represents.
“It is an opportunity for our teeming youths to have a platform to improve themselves to a life long skills set that will prepare them for the dynamic global world space today and tomorrow”. Mbah said.
Earlier in his speech , the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy , Bosun Tijani described the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA as a permanent bridge between national policy and local potential.
Commending the Governor of Enugu state for his visionary leadership and investment in Information Technology, Tijani said there was something extraordinary unfolding in Enugu state.
“In just under two years, this state has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most promising frontiers for innovation. What we are witnessing here is not just progress-it is momentum. And I am proud that today, we are adding fuel to that momentum.
“This morning’s commissioning of the NITDA Regional Office in Enugu is far more than the opening of a building. It is the establishment of a permanent bridge between national policy and local potential.
“It is a strategic move under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-a commitment to decentralizing opportunity, deepening inclusion, and unlocking the full power of Nigeria’s digital economy across every region.
“By placing NITDA closer to the people-right here in the Southeast-we are saying clearly: no region should have to wait for innovation to reach them. Innovation must grow with them.
“This new office will serve as an engine room for:Digital skills development, through programs like the 3 Million Technical Talent initiative, and support for startups and indigenous tech solutions, as well as regulatory advisory, to help businesses thrive within the frameworks that protect Nigerians, and closer partnerships with state governments, academia, and the private sector amongst others. The Minister said.
According to the Minister, there is no better place to launch this than in Enugu-a state that is not only dreaming of the future but building it.
“I want to commend Governor Peter Mbah for proving what determined, technology-focused governance can achieve in such a short time. We are not just here to witness Enugu’s transformation. We are here to amplify it.
“To our young innovators, developers, and entrepreneurs-you now have a home in NITDA. Use it. Grow through it. And let it become the platform from which your ideas reach the world.
“Together, we will ensure that the story of Nigeria’s digital economy is not written from one place-it will be co-authored in every corner of this nation, and Enugu is leading the way. Tijani stated
Author: Maureen Ikpeama