Long celebrated for its coal reserves, the city of Enugu is now charting a bold new course as a burgeoning centre for technology and innovation. This remarkable evolution was brought into sharp focus at the Enugu Tech Festival—an inspiring event organized by the Enugu State Government through the Ministry of Science and Technology, led by Honourable Commissioner Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh.
Held under the compelling theme “From Coal to Code,” the festival symbolized a transformative shift from Enugu’s industrial legacy to a forward-looking, innovation-driven future. It was a celebration not just of technology, but of vision—signalling the state’s commitment to becoming a key player in Nigeria’s digital economy.
The event attracted a distinguished gathering of national leaders and industry pioneers. Among them were Dr. Peter Mbah, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, whose administration has prioritized digital transformation as a core pillar of development. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, lent his expertise and support, further affirming the event’s national relevance.
Also in attendance were Mr. Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, and Prof. Bart Nnaji, the renowned Founder and Chairman of Geometric Power, who highlighted the role of energy infrastructure in tech growth.
Joining the conversation were other key players in Nigeria’s tech and business ecosystem, including Dr. Kingsley Eze, CEO of Tenece Holdings; Dr. Obinna Iyiegbu, Chairman of Cubana Group; and Tomi Davies, CiC at TVC Labs. Their participation reflected a shared belief in Enugu’s potential to become a vibrant hub of digital innovation and economic opportunity.
One of the most remarkable highlights of the event was the presence of Africa’s renowned digital trailblazer, Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Group. His arrival generated palpable excitement, but it was his powerful keynote address that truly left an indelible mark.
Drawing on more than three decades of pioneering experience in Africa’s technology landscape, Dr. Ekeh delivered a thought-provoking and deeply inspiring speech. He spoke with candour and conviction, offering hard truths about the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of resilience, and the transformative power of technology—especially when harnessed with integrity and vision. His words resonated strongly with the audience, reinforcing the festival’s mission to ignite a new era of innovation in Enugu and beyond.
“Hope is not a strategy in the 21st century,” Dr. Ekeh declared to an attentive audience, delivering a striking reality check. While acknowledging the value of optimism, he emphasized that it must be grounded in practical skills and bold, deliberate action. In an era shaped by algorithms, artificial intelligence, and relentless innovation, he asserted that true success belongs to those who take initiative and build with conviction.
His words ignited a wave of inspiration among the young tech enthusiasts in attendance, as the resounding ovation made clear. With passion and clarity, he urged them to see technology not merely as a means of livelihood, but as a transformative force. “Tech,” he proclaimed, “has the power to redefine Enugu, Nigeria, and Africa — but only if we pursue it with clarity of purpose and unwavering commitment.”
Speaker after speaker echoed a unifying message: the future begins now. Among them was the Honourable Minister for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, who described the event as the largest youth gathering ever hosted for a technology-focused initiative. He commended the organizers for their vision and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and digital inclusion.
In a compelling address, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, outlined an ambitious economic vision—to expand the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within eight years by maintaining a 27% annual growth rate. He noted that initiatives like the Enugu Tech Festival are not just symbolic, but strategic—laying the groundwork to position Enugu as a thriving hub for innovation, business tourism, and inclusive development.
Yet, as the speakers emphasized, this bold dream can only be realized through collective action. The future we imagine will only take shape if we are willing to build it. A prosperous and tech-driven Nigeria will not emerge from hope alone—but from decisive, sustained effort by all stakeholders.
