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The Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Lawrence Ezeh, says that Gov. Peter Mbah has pushed digitalisation, innovation and tech-driven policies, programmes and projects to higher heights within two years.
Ezeh disclosed this to newsmen on Sunday in Enugu while reeling out what Gov.Mbah had achieved in the Innovation, Science and Technology
ecosystem within his two years impactful and disruptive innovation to governance.
The commissioner said that the governor, who is technology and innovation savvy, had not only believed in what Innovation, Science and Technology can do but had gone ahead to support it growth and deployment in critical aspects of the state’s socioeconomic sectors.
He noted that the governor through the ministry started by introducing robust digital infrastructure and e-governance by ensuring digital litrarcy, transparency, speed and seamlessness into government ministries, departments, commissions and all government functions.
He said, “Gov. Mbah ensured effective implementation of robust digital infrastructure, training and retraining of all government employees and functionaries, eliminating paper usage, enshrining proper information and data management, facilitating online transactions and effective citizens engagement.
“Through the Ministry, Gov. Mbah introduced Geographic Information System (GIS) to the Ministry of Lands; and the system capabilities can help the state optimise land administration processes, prevent encroachment and support sustainable development initiatives.
“The ministry partnered with Project Development Institute (PRODA) on the production of the multi-biomass briquette cooking stove, which is meant to provide solution to current energy requirements for cooking and provide solutions to current socioeconomic energy situation.
“In 2024, the state invested heavily in youth empowerment through skilling up and up-scaling in tech-innovation, through these youth empowerment programmes cultivated a vibrant ecosystem of innovation, enterprise, leadership and ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come.”
Ezeh noted that to further harness innovations from the grassroots healthwise, and encourage local research on roots and herbs, the ministry started the regulation of traditional medicine practitioners.
“This is to safeguard public health, uphold ethical standards and promote collaboration between traditional healers and modern healthcare professionals,” he said.
For the second year, Ezeh noted that the government foreseening a tech-innovation driven future set-up independent Enugu Smart Tech Ltd, which represents a groundbreaking collaboration between the e-School Africa and the Enugu State Government on the 260 Smart Schools.
He said, “This initiative effort between the state government and e-School Africa is set to revolutionise education through the provision of state-of-the-art tech devices to the 260 Smart schools currently under construction across the 260 wards in Enugu State.
“The smart schools are designed to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that students in both urban and rural areas have equal access to quality education powered by technology. The partnership with e-School Africa further strengthens this initiative by bringing in technical expertise and sustainable digital education solutions.”
The commissioner noted the ministry improved reseach, development and innovation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners through a trade fair and certification; thus, deepen and made bold move to formalise and validate traditional healing practices.
“The Traditional Medicine Practitioners’ Trade Fair was not just an exhibition—it was a reference point on how indigenous knowledge is treated in policy and practice. The fair, held in Enugu, gathered practitioners, researchers, policymakers and curious citizens.
“The key impacts included: creating credibility and trust; economic empowerment; and research catalysis; as this initiative underscores the ministry’s broader philosophy: innovation doesn’t have to mean abandoning the old — it can also mean elevating it,” he said.
Ezeh noted that the ministry completed the Coal Briquette Stove against the backdrop of Nigeria’s mounting energy crisis and environmental concerns, adding the result of the invention is a low-cost, high-efficiency stove, developed through local engineering expertise and built for mass adoption.
“The stove is a game-changer in more ways. Designed to use compressed coal dust—readily available in Enugu’s resource-rich terrain—it offers a cleaner, safer alternative to traditional firewood or inefficient stoves.
“Core benefits are environmental sustainability; affordability; and industrial application: while small-scale manufacturers and cottage industries have also begun adopting the stove, reducing their energy expenses and increasing productivity.
“More than a tool, the coal briquette stove is emblematic of Enugu’s shift towards local solutions to global challenges. It also positions the state as a potential leader in green technology across West Africa,” the commissioner said.
Ezeh said that the recent held Enugu Tech Festival captured the spirit of Mbah’s innovation agenda; even as the festival is evolving into a cornerstone of the state’s tech ecosystem—a platform for showcasing local talent, attracting investment and inspiring youths.
“The three-day unprecedented event
attended by over 15,000 participants nationwide included tech entrepreneurs, software developers, university researchers, and venture capitalists and it provided fertile ground for partnerships, networking and mentorships.
“Hackathons, pitch sessions, and innovation labs dominated the programme, producing not only buzz but tangible outputs, which included: Start-ups building momentum; educational uplift; and policy engagement.
“Even as the festival’s success signals more than public enthusiasm—it reflects the administration’s ability to convene stakeholders and accelerate grassroots innovation,” he said.
According to him, from the institutionalisation of traditional medicine to eco-friendly engineering and the cultivation of a dynamic startup ecosystem, Gov. Mbah’s vision through the ministry’s work represents a new model of national and regional development.
“Not simply reactive, but proactive. Not dependent on Federal allocations or donor aid but anchored in the power of ideas and local solutions. While challenges remain—scaling innovation, sustaining funding, and ensuring equitable digital access across rural zones—the trajectory is unmistakable.
“The foundational groundwork has been laid, and the future is being built with intentionality. The Future of tech-innovation is invented in Enugu State.
“Under the stewardship of Gov. Mbah and the ministry, Enugu State has emerged as a living laboratory for disruptive and transformative change—rooted in tradition, driven by technology, and propelled by public engagement,” he added.
