The Federal Government has trained 900 youths in Enugu State in critical digital skills, including cybersecurity, data science, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship.
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Mr. Kashifu Abdullahi, disclosed this while speaking at the ongoing Enugu Tech Festival 2026 in Enugu.
Abdullahi said the training, organised as part of the festival taking place from 24 to 27 February under the theme, “Coal to Code: Energy in New Form”, aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at equipping young Nigerians with digital skills. He explained that the programme was designed to cultivate talent and strengthen digital capacity among youths.
The NITDA director-general, who was represented by the agency’s Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnership, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, said that 50 of the 900 participants distinguished themselves through exceptional dedication, resilience, and excellence during the training.
“These 50 young innovators will not just receive digital tools; they will be receiving instruments of transformation,” Abdullahi said.
He added that the tools symbolise opportunity, empowerment, and the confidence that Nigeria has in its young people.
“But more importantly, they represent responsibility — the responsibility to build solutions, create value, and transform communities.
“This is the new energy of Enugu. Not coal, but code. Not extraction, but innovation. Not limitation, but possibility — and this is only the beginning,” he said.
Abdullahi said NITDA would continue to create pathways for young Nigerians to develop globally competitive solutions.
He noted that the government had provided platforms such as the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition and GITEX Nigeria, where innovators can showcase their ideas to global investors, attract funding, and expand beyond national borders.
“The message is clear: your innovation can go global.
“To the young people here today who will be the recipients of these digital tools, you are not just learning skills — you are shaping the future,” he added.
In a goodwill message, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, urged youths to take full advantage of digital training, conferences, and other opportunities linked to technological innovation.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of brand-new laptops to 50 trainees who successfully completed the digital skills programme.
