The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has commissioned a regional office in Enugu, aimed at promoting digital economy development and innovation in the Southeast region.

The office was commissioned on Wednesday by Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, said the office will serve as a hub for digital skills development, “support for startups, regulatory advisory, and partnerships with state governments, academia, and the private sector”.

He said, “Today’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.

According to the minister, “the office will help to decentralize opportunity and deepen inclusion in the digital economy, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said, “The office is expected to benefit young innovators, developers, and entrepreneurs in the region, providing them with access to resources and support to grow their ideas.

Dr Tijani commended Governor Peter Mbah for Enugu’s transformation, citing the state’s emergence as one of Nigeria’s most promising frontiers for innovation.

“There is something extraordinary unfolding in Enugu. 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, is momentum. And I am proud that today, we are adding fuel to that momentum,” he said.

Governor Peter Mbah, while speaking at the occasion, hailed the initiative as a crucial step towards economic diversification.

According to the Governor, the need to diversify the economy has never been more urgent, and the information technology sector holds immense growth opportunities.

He emphasized that merely having opportunities is not enough; concrete steps must be taken to make them a reality.

The Governor noted that the NITDA office represents an opportunity for Enugu’s young people to acquire lifelong skills that will prepare them for the dynamic global workplace.

He commended the management and executives of NITDA for their foresight in establishing the office.

Governor Mbah expressed confidence that the office will open new horizons for the state’s youth and contribute to the state’s dream of diversifying its revenue streams. He described the initiative as brilliant and timely. (Daily Independent)