—–Expresses confidence that the festival would deliver measurable outcomes and position Enugu as a leading tech hub in West Africa.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council, on Thursday, 19th February, 2026, hosted a press conference at the Press Centre, Enugu, where the Honourable Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Prince Engr. Lawrence Ezeh, officially unveiled the 2026 Enugu Tech Festival.
In his welcome address, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, expressed appreciation to the Commissioner and his entourage for honouring the invitation. He noted that the engagement was crucial in informing citizens about the state government’s plans through the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.
Ogbuka commended the Commissioner for his openness and collaboration with the media, emphasizing that the press conference would enable residents to better understand what the Enugu State Government has in store for them in the area of innovation and technology.
Addressing journalists and stakeholders, the Commissioner appreciated the NUJ leadership and members for their commitment to professional journalism. He described the Enugu Tech Festival as a flagship initiative of the ministry aimed at equipping youths with relevant digital and technical skills.
According to him, the initiative seeks to shift young people away from conventional expectations of political appointments and instead empower them with globally competitive skills. He stressed that the festival is designed to provide technical knowledge that will enhance global visibility and attract international investors.
The Commissioner revealed that Enugu State is currently rated second after Lagos in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, attributing the progress to the visionary leadership of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. He said the governor has consistently emphasized that the future of the state’s youth lies in technology, innovation and skills development.
The four-day festival, themed “Energy in New Form,” is scheduled to hold from February 24th to 26th, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Enugu. The theme, he explained, reflects transformation and the evolving energy driving digital innovation.
Prince Ezeh noted that the festival will showcase cutting edge innovations, attract investors and create measurable outcomes that will position Enugu as a leading tech hub in West Africa. He reaffirmed that the initiative aligns with Governor Mbah’s agenda on empowerment, job creation, digitalization and economic modernization.
“Enugu is ready to host the world,” the Commissioner declared, expressing optimism that the event would significantly shape the tech innovation landscape in the state.
In a vote of thanks, Lawrence Njoku appreciated the Commissioner for engaging with the media and used the opportunity to request the provision of at least one coaster bus to convey journalists to the upcoming tech event.
The event also featured the presentation of a meritorious award to the Honourable Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Prince Engr. Lawrence Ezeh by Umeh Clinton on behalf of the NUJ Chairman.
The NUJ Chairman, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, concluded the event by thanking the Commissioner, journalists and stakeholders for their participation. The press conference was attended by several media organizations, including Freedom Square TV, among others.