Enugu govt celebrates 2 years of tech transformation, innovation
By Stanley Nwanosike
The Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Lawrence Ezeh, says Gov. Peter Mbah has advanced digitalisation, innovation, and tech-driven policies within two years.
Ezeh revealed this to journalists in Enugu while outlining Mbah’s achievements in Innovation, Science and Technology over two years of governance.
He said the governor not only believes in innovation’s potential but has actively supported its growth and application across critical sectors of the state’s socioeconomic landscape.
According to him, the ministry introduced digital infrastructure and e-governance to promote digital literacy, speed, transparency and efficiency within all government ministries, departments, and agencies.
“Governor Mbah ensured full implementation of digital infrastructure, retraining staff, eliminating paperwork, improving data management, enabling online services, and boosting citizen-government engagement,” the commissioner stated.
He added that Geographic Information System (GIS) was introduced to the Ministry of Lands to streamline land administration, prevent encroachment, and promote sustainable development goals.
The ministry also partnered with PRODA to produce multi-biomass briquette cooking stoves, addressing current energy demands and improving the socioeconomic energy situation in the state.
In 2024, the state invested in youth skilling and tech innovation, nurturing an ecosystem of enterprise, leadership and inclusive economic growth for future generations.
Ezeh said grassroots healthcare innovations were encouraged by regulating traditional medicine, promoting research into herbs and roots, and protecting public health through ethical guidelines.
“This promotes collaboration between traditional healers and modern medical professionals, fostering mutual respect and safer practices,” the commissioner added.
In its second year, the government established Enugu Smart Tech Ltd to drive future-focused tech innovation in collaboration with e-School Africa for 260 Smart Schools.
“This initiative will transform education, equipping Smart Schools in all 260 wards with advanced tech tools for digital learning across urban and rural areas.
“Smart Schools aim to bridge the digital divide and ensure equal access to quality education using cutting-edge technology and sustainable digital learning strategies,” he explained.
The commissioner highlighted how the ministry improved traditional medicine through research, trade fairs, and certifications to validate and formalise indigenous healing practices.
“The Traditional Medicine Practitioners’ Trade Fair was a landmark event, bringing together healers, researchers, and policymakers to elevate local knowledge and innovation,” Ezeh said.
He outlined the fair’s impact, including increased credibility, economic empowerment, and catalysing research — all underlining the ministry’s vision to uplift, not discard traditional knowledge.
Ezeh added that the Coal Briquette Stove project addressed the energy crisis, producing an efficient, low-cost alternative built using local engineering and materials.
The stove uses compressed coal dust from Enugu, offering a cleaner, safer substitute for firewood and reducing indoor pollution and deforestation.
According to Ezeh, environmental benefits, affordability, and industrial use make the stove attractive to small manufacturers and rural households, driving productivity and lowering costs.
He added that the coal stove symbolises Enugu’s move toward local, sustainable innovations, positioning the state as a green tech leader in the West African region.
“The recent Enugu Tech Festival embodied Governor Mbah’s innovation vision and has become a major platform for inspiring youths and attracting investment.
“Over 15,000 people attended, including tech entrepreneurs, researchers, developers, and investors—creating opportunities for networking, mentorship, and partnerships,” he said.
The event featured hackathons, pitches, and innovation labs, yielding real outcomes like start-up launches, policy engagement, and tech education boosts.
Ezeh noted that the festival’s success showed the government’s strength in uniting stakeholders and promoting community-driven innovation from the grassroots.
“From traditional medicine to sustainable tech, the governor’s leadership demonstrates a new path for regional development rooted in local capacity and innovation.
“Not dependent on federal aid but driven by ideas. Despite challenges in funding and rural access, Enugu’s innovation journey is clearly on course.
“The foundation is strong, and the future is being shaped with deliberate intent. Innovation is being invented right here in Enugu State.
“Under Mbah’s leadership, Enugu is now a living lab for disruptive change — bridging tradition and technology through inclusive public engagement,” Ezeh said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
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