ENUGU: The Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, has highlighted the significant advancements in digitalisation, innovation, and technology-driven policies achieved under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah over the past two years. Ezeh shared these insights with journalists in Enugu while discussing the governor's accomplishments in the realm of innovation, science, and technology during his tenure.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Ezeh emphasised the governor's commitment to fostering innovation and its application across key sectors of the state's socioeconomic landscape. The Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology introduced digital infrastructure and e-governance, aiming to enhance digital literacy, speed, transparency, and efficiency within all government ministries, departments, and agencies. Governor Mbah's efforts included the full implementation of digital infrastructure, staff retraining, elimination of paperwork, improvement of data management, and the enhancement of online services to boost citizen-government engagement.
Furthermore, the introduction of the Geographic Information System (GIS) to the Ministry of Lands was highlighted as a measure to streamline land administration, prevent encroachment, and promote sustainable development goals. The ministry also collaborated 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 took significant strides by investing in youth skilling and tech innovation, nurturing an ecosystem of enterprise, leadership, and inclusive economic growth for future generations. Grassroots healthcare innovations were encouraged through the regulation of traditional medicine, promoting research into herbs and roots, and protecting public health via ethical guidelines. This initiative fosters collaboration between traditional healers and modern medical professionals, promoting mutual respect and safer practices.
Additionally, the government established Enugu Smart Tech Ltd in its second year to drive future-focused tech innovation in collaboration with e-School Africa for 260 Smart Schools. This project aims to transform education by equipping Smart Schools across all 260 wards with advanced tech tools for digital learning in both urban and rural areas. These schools are designed to bridge the digital divide and ensure equal access to quality education through cutting-edge technology and sustainable digital learning strategies.
The commissioner also discussed the ministry's efforts to improve 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 that brought together healers, researchers, and policymakers to elevate local knowledge and innovation.
Highlighting the Coal Briquette Stove project, Ezeh explained how it addresses the energy crisis by producing an efficient, low-cost alternative using local engineering and materials. The stove uses compressed coal dust from Enugu, offering a cleaner, safer substitute for firewood, reducing indoor pollution, and combating deforestation. The project symbolises Enugu's move towards 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 vision for innovation and has become a major platform for inspiring youths and attracting investment. Over 15,000 attendees, including tech entrepreneurs, researchers, developers, and investors, participated in the festival, creating opportunities for networking, mentorship, and partnerships. The event featured hackathons, pitches, and innovation labs, yielding tangible outcomes such as start-up launches, policy engagement, and tech education enhancements.
Dr. Ezeh concluded by noting that the festival's success demonstrated the government's ability to unite stakeholders and promote community-driven innovation from the grassroots level. He emphasized that under Governor Mbah's leadership, Enugu is now a living lab for disruptive change, bridging tradition and technology through inclusive public engagement. Despite challenges in funding and rural access, Enugu's innovation journey is clearly on course, with a strong foundation and a future shaped with deliberate intent. Innovation is being invented right here in Enugu State. ()