The 2025 Enugu Tech Festival officially opened on Wednesday, with the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, hailing it as the largest tech conference ever held in Nigeria. He described the event as a significant step forward in the country’s push to build a thriving digital economy.

Speaking at the festival, themed Coal to Code, Dr. Tijani praised Enugu State, under Governor Peter Mbah, for transitioning from policy to action in leading Nigeria’s tech transformation. He emphasized that the future of Nigeria’s digital growth lies not just in Abuja but in active contributions from states like Enugu.

“I’ve never witnessed a tech conference this massive in Nigeria,” Tijani stated. “Enugu is showing the rest of the country how it should be done. This moment is historic.”

He noted the state’s recent investments in digital infrastructure and a growing innovation ecosystem as proof of Enugu’s serious commitment to the tech revolution. Tijani called on government, private sector, and individuals to collaborate and stay committed to building a tech-driven Nigeria.

Governor Mbah, in his address, encouraged the youth to embrace technology, citing global platforms like Uber, Airbnb, and Tesla as examples of how innovation can disrupt industries and create wealth. He explained that Enugu’s tech drive aims to empower its youth to become creators of economic value and a competitive workforce for the future.

Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, highlighted that the festival signifies Enugu’s shift from being known for coal to becoming a hub for innovation and digital enterprise. He added that the Enugu Tech Festival will now be an annual event.

The event attracted thousands of young tech enthusiasts and featured dignitaries including the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande; Enugu House Speaker Hon. Uchenna Ugwu; former Minister Prof. Barth Nnaji; Zinox Chairman Leo Stan Ekeh; and Afrinvest CEO Dr. Ike Chioke, among others.