Category: Science and Tech

NIGCOMSAT trains 120 youths in Enugu on VSAT installation, maintenance

No fewer than 120  youths from 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu State, are undergoing training on Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) installation, configuration, maintenance and enterprise in the state .

The five-day training, which is expected to end on Nov. 28. is organised by the Nigerian Communication Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT), in partnership with Enugu SME Centre, and Enugu State Office of Digital Economy.

The initiative is part of Federal Government’s NIGCOMSAT Youth Empowerment Programme.

It is tagged: “Strengthening Last Mile Connectivity: VSAT Capacity Building for Enugu State Communities”.

In his address, Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, said that the training aligns with NIGCOMSAT’s mandate of bridging Nigeria’s digital divide.

Egerton-Idehen who was represented by NIGCOMSAT’s Head of Sales, Engr. Ibiye Ukoko, said that the agency bridges the nation’s digital divide, by extending secure, and affordable satellite-based connectivity to underserved communities.

She noted that NIGCOMSAT remained the backbone of national digital infrastructure and a key enabler of the country’s Digital Economy Policy.

“This programme is a core part of our mission to build a digitally empowered and future-ready Enugu State.

“By equipping these youths with VSAT skills, we are strengthening the state’s capacity to deploy satellite connectivity across communities where terrestrial infrastructure is weak or nonexistent,” she said

She explained that NIGCOMSAT supports broadband expansion by delivering high-availability internet to remote areas, providing backhaul services for telecom operators, and powering critical sectors.

She added that VSAT-based connectivity will improve e-governance, bolster e-learning and telemedicine, support SMEs and digital businesses, as well as provide resilient communication infrastructure.

Also speaking at the training, Special Adviser to Gov. Peter Mbah on SMEs and Digital Economy, Mr Arinze Chilo-Offiah, applauded NIGCOMSAT for investing in Enugu’s human capital.

The Special Adviser, who was represented by Senior Programmes Manager at the Enugu SME Centre, Mr Salem Emmanuel, described the initiative as a strategic step in empowering the state’s youth with globally competitive digital skills.

“This programme is more than a training; It is a gateway to future opportunities.

“Under the leadership of Gov. Peter Mbah, Enugu remains committed to bridging the digital divide and building a workforce ready for tomorrow’s digital economy,” he said

He urged participants to take full advantage of the programme, adding that the knowledge gained will afford them a fast-expanding connectivity in the ICT services sector.

 

KingMakers Company endorses Enugu Tech Festival (ETF) 2026

The KingMakers Company, also owners of BetKing Nigeria Ltd, has officially endorsed the Enugu Tech Festival 2026 scheduled to be one of the largest technology gatherings in Africa.

The endorsement was penned in Lagos during a meeting between Chief Gossy Ukanwoke, Managing Director of KingMakers and the Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Lawrence Eze, and his ETF team.

Speaking on the endorsement to newsmen on Tuesday in Enugu, Eze said that “the endorsement is huge good news for ETF 2026, also known as ETF 2.0”.

He said that with KingMaker’s endorsement, ETF 2026 would be something bigger and powerful, adding: “With Gossy Ukanwoke putting his stamp on this, we are set for innovation, community and impact.”

Eze said that it was on Gov. Peter Mbah’s foundation and vision of innovation that the ETF was being built to last for ages.

According to him, ETF is serving as a testament of Gov. Mbah administration’s dedication to making “Enugu the Silicon Valley of Nigeria and a true beacon of progress in Africa.”

“Enugu State is the fastest rising state in Nigeria, and this remarkable growth is no coincidence but a direct result of the visionary and innovative leadership of His Excellency, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.

“His focus on digital transformation, smart governance, and youth-driven development continues to inspire confidence, attract investment and create opportunities for sustainable growth,” he said.

Eze said that an anticipated 50,000 participants would be at the ETF 2026 as it would be quite huge, adding: “The ETF aims to showcase educational exchanges, foster collaboration among tech-innovators and boost entrepreneurship”.

The commissioner said that a Central Planning Committee for the festival had been inaugurated, which consisted of a Local Organising Committee (LOC) and an Advisory Board.

“We are eager for participants to engage in thought-provoking discussions centered on the convergence of energy and technology, ultimately exploring sustainable methods that can propel our society forward,” he said.

Earlier, Ukanwoke said that under his leadership, KingMakers (BetKing) had done more than just offering gaming/sports‐betting entertainment, adding: “It has continued to drive social impact, especially around inclusion and support for para-athletes in Nigeria”.

He said, “Being guided by a philosophy of empowerment or “KingMaker Philosophy”, the company have helped others to succeed; thus, investing in education, innovation and meaningful tech-innovation driven change.

“We have strong involvement in technology, education, and human development; and before BetKing, I founded Beni American University (online), worked in EdTech that helped traditional universities go online among others.”

The ETF 2026, scheduled to hold between Feb. 24 and Feb. 27, 2026 at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, is expected to attract global tech-innovators, policymakers, investors and industry leaders.

The ETF 2026 with the theme – “Coal to Code: Energy in New Form”, would feature exhibitions, keynote speeches, innovation showcases and strategic partnership forums designed to drive sustainable development through technology.

Enugu Govt pledges support to tech-innovative youths, receives Ndiokwelu, winner of Best AI Short Film

The Enugu State Government, on Tuesday, reiterated its resolve to support tech-innovative youths to soar higher even as it received winner of the Best AI Short Film Award, Engr. Nzube Ndiokwelu.

It would be recalled that Ndiokwelu, Founder of Beaconsmith Collective, a technology venture, won the Best AI Short Film Award at the prestigious Naija AI Film Festival held at the Mike Adenuga Center, Ikoyi, Lagos on Saturday.

Congratulating Ndiokwelu and his team in Enugu, the Commissioner of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Lawrence Eze, said that the win “is a win for Enugu State; a win for the entire Enugu tech-innovative ecosystem”.

Eze said that the state had been encouraging its youths and “firing them up to be focused, put in the right energy and the right state of mind and creativity as the sky remains their limits.”

According to him, with this win, it really tells the world that Enugu is the right place for digital transformation in this 21 Century.

The commissioner said, “Enugu is leading and topping in every ramifications of innovation and tech ecosystem in West Africa now and not just only in Nigeria.

“And what we are doing is to show the world that we are that sub-national to beat anytime, any day.”

Eze said that digital transformation does not require one relocating from one point to another where you pay high accommodation and get disconnected from your relatives, who might be of help as you gradually grow.

“All you just need is to have connectivity to the internet, have your devices, which can be sourced here in Enugu and with that, the sky becomes your limit”.

He lauded Ndiokwelu for staying in Enugu with his team, putting the best and being the winner in a national event in Lagos, which might had attracted tech-innovators and competitors from neighbouring West African countries.

Earlier, Ndiokwelu, a Citrea Nigeria Ambassador and Founder of Beaconsmith Collective, commended Gov. Peter Mbah and Eze for their vision in making investment and building collaborations meant to improve the tech-innovative ecosystem of the state.

He said that the win remained “a huge testament that there is immense creativity in Enugu State, there is immense talents in Enugu State and you can build whatever you want within the state”.

Ndiokwelu, who is a technologist, encouraged the entire populace in the country to adopt emerging technologies and digital economy as well as gain from their advantages.

“We are taking it a step further as leaders to train people in all emerging technologies such as AI, block-chain, bit-coin, bio-tech, robotics and technology-enabled arts as well as upgrade our technologies to meet up emerging fields,” he said.

Ndiokwelu Wins Best AI Short Film Award At Naija AI Film Festival 2025

Engr. Nzube Ndiokwelu, an Enugu-based Citrea Nigeria Ambassador, has won the Best AI Short Film Award at the prestigious Naija AI Film Festival 2025

It would be recalled that Ndiokwelu, the Founder of Beaconsmith Collective, a technology venture, won the Best AI Short Film Award at the prestigious Naija AI Film Festival held at the Mike Adenuga Center, Ikoyi, Lagos on Saturday.

Ndiokwelu, who is a graduate of Electronic Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, told newsmen in Enugu on Tuesday that his firm had become one of Nigeria’s most dynamic voices in AI, blockchain and emerging technologies.

He said that his work and that of his firm, which is beyond building AI films, spanned ecosystem-building, talent development and creative innovation; thus, placing the firm at the forefront of Africa’s digital future.

“I previously served as Technical Assistant to the Group Managing Director of the Obijackson Group, and played a pivotal role in overseeing strategic subsidiaries across multiple industries.

“My leadership journey in the tech-innovation ecosystem accelerated in 2015 when I pioneered the Google Developer Group, Enugu; thus, introducing Google’s suite of tools and nurturing what is now the region’s largest tech community and pioneering the International Coal City Marathon.

“Today, as Citrea Nigeria Ambassador, I champion Bitcoin Layer 2 adoption, while up-skilling developers and expanding Nigeria’s blockchain ecosystem.

“Through my venture, the Beaconsmith Collective, I and my team are creating a launch-pad for young innovators by offering mentorship, funding pathways, and a creative hub in Enugu,” he said.

On the Best AI Short Film Award, Ndiokwelu said that “this recognition validates years I have spent building bridges between art, technology and community.

“It is not just my win — it is a signal that Enugu is ready to lead the conversation on AI and blockchain.”

He noted that the award at the Naija AI Film Festival reflects “not only his contribution to the creative-tech frontier but also his mission to democratize access to emerging technologies across Africa”.

It would be recalled that the Beaconsmith (Collective) House, a flagship initiative, doubles as a tech and cultural center, housing an AI Art Gallery, where artificial intelligence and artistic expression converge.

Enugu Govt. to empower youths on fabrication of innovative green energy stoves

The Enugu State Government says it is targeting training and empowering youths on fabrication of the Made in Enugu innovative green energy and safe cooking stoves.

The stove, also known as Enugu Stove, designed 100 per cent on local content and uses smokeless- cum-odourless coal briquette to produce sustained heat for cooking.

The state’s Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Lawrence Eze, disclosed this to newsmen in Enugu on Thursday.

Eze said that the internship (training) would be done in collaboration with Scientific Equipment Development Institute (SEDI) to maintain original design and standard of the green energy stove.

The commissioner, who did not mention the number of youths involved, said that the training would be done in 2026; while those to be trained would be empowered with start-up packs at the end.

He said that his ministry would create a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) or a commercial arm to oversee the collaboration with SEDI and the four coal briquette producing factories (one in each senatorial zone).

According to him, with the innovative green energy and safe stove, the ministry will be turned to a revenue generating ministry and that will be a legacy I shall be leaving behind.

“The stove and other laudable initiatives by His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah, are meant to uplift economic and living standard of our people in meeting target of increasing the state’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.

“We are branding it ‘Made in Enugu’ in order to project the ‘Enugu Brand’ just as we have Enugu Air, Enugu Rice and other Enugu brands to come.

“The branding will set out our state’s products/programmes and their quality and uniqueness different from others anywhere it is found in the country, Africa and worldwide.

“The Enugu Stove is an innovative green energy and safe cooking stove meant to secure Nigeria and Africa from deforestation and ecology losses due to felling of trees for firewood and air pollution while producing charcoal,” he said.

Eze said that the stove also eliminates the frustration in having cooking disrupted due to running out of gas or kerosene and one running to his/her neighbours for help in odd hours.

The commissioner said that with the stove coming on stream, the state government would intensify it campaign against cutting and felling of trees and producing charcoal in the state.

“Within years, due to a better safety, economic and environmental benefits of the stove, most residents in the country will stop using other alternative for cooking,” he added.

Enugu Govt. produces innovative green energy, safe cooking stoves

The Enugu State Government says it has designed and produced an innovative green energy and safe cooking stoves meant to secure Nigeria and Africa from deforestation and ecosystem losses.

The stove, which is known as Enugu Stove, is designed 100 per cent local content and meant to use smokeless and odourless coal briquette to produce heat for cooking.

The state’s Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Lawrence Eze, disclosed this to newsmen in Enugu on Tuesday.

Eze said that the innovative stove, whose design was fabricated by Scientific Equipment Development Institute (SEDI), remained unique due to its human and environmental safety features.

He noted that with the stove, days of gas explosion and explosion from adulterated kerosene use in kerosene-stoves at homes and eateries are gone.

According to him, sometimes if there are no fatalities, the degrees of body burns from such explosions are unimaginable; and this is the principal thing the stove is meant to solve.

 

He explained that the stove has two chambers, adding that the burning chamber is well-insulated from the outer chamber even when the heat and cooking is ongoing.

The commissioner said that on economic benefit, the stove is a one-off (one time) buy and the coal briquette, which would be a recurring buy, is cheap and got from purified and dehydro-carbonised coal that Enugu is blessed with.

“On economic value, it is the most economical source of energy and fuel for cooking. It is cheaper than gas and kerosene; while electricity is a no go area due to its cost for now.

“It is odourless and does not transmit smoke unlike a kerosene stove because it has two components, the inner component and the outer component.

“It is the inner component that retains the heat. It is just like a flask.

“There is a well-insulated vacuum between the inner component (or chamber) and the outer component (or chamber). So the void (well-insulated area) between the two makes it difficult for heat to be transmitted.

“While the coal briquette is heating up and boiling water or items being cooked; you can hug or touch the outer component (chamber) and it is still as cool as possible,” he said.

 

The commissioner said that the energy produced burns in a gentle manner like one is using an electric stove and “you only notice the boiling and cooked item producing steam”.

He said, “The stove, which is produced in three sizes – student, family and commercial/eatery sizes – is designed not to allow heat losses, which increases the temperature of the immediate environment in the usual cooking kitchen or location.

“God has blessed Enugu State with an enormous and abundant quantity of coal, which is largely untapped.

“Enugu State Government has duly applied to the Federal Government for the coal to be mined.

“This is why His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah, has set-up the Ministry of Energy and Solid Minerals to see to this and give the state a sustainable energy mix meant to ensure a green environment and ecological protection.”

Eze said that the new ministry would get investors that would mine the coals, while his ministry would get quantities of the coals, at a reasonable cost, to the coal briquette producing factories.

According to him, the four factories, one in each senatorial zone, will refine the raw coal into smokeless and odourless coal briquettes for the stove use and ensure its availability, affordability and accessibility.

“It will definitely stop the radical falling of trees in our communities; environmental hazard of production of charcoal; and protect our vegetation, forest and ecosystem in general,” he added.

NSE inducts 295 UI Engineering Graduates

 

By Olatunde Ajayi

 

The Ibadan Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers(NSE) has inducted 295 University of Ibadan 2023/2024 engineering graduates into the society.

The ceremony was held at the lecture theatre of the faculty of technology at the premises of the University of Ibadan.

Speaking on the theme of the event, ” Engineering Theory to Praxis: Expectations from Young Engineers in Solving Real-World Problem”, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margaret Oguntala, challenged young engineers to think deeply to explore new and underdeveloped areas of engineering.

Oguntala, represented by the past chairman of the branch, Engr. Ezekiel Ojekunle, enjoined the inductees to adhere strictly to the highest standards of professional ethics.

She then urged fellows and elders of the profession to take special interest in 295 inductees.

“We have invaluable knowledge and experience to share, and I encourage all to mentor these young engineers, guiding them to reach their full potential,” she said.

Similarly, the Chairman of NSE, Ibadan Branch, Engr. Ibraheem Folarin Bello, urged the inductees to be guided by ethics, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

“The challenges before our nation are vast, from energy and infrastructure to technology and sustainability, and the solutions lie in the minds and hands of capable young engineering graduates,” he said.

He encouraged the inductees to actively engage with NSE as a professional home, noting it would remain committed to supporting their growth through mentorship, professional development, networking, and advocacy.

Meanwhile, the event’s keynote speaker, Mrs Bukola Adubi, the Chief Executive Officer, MicCom Nigeria Limited, reiterated that engineering remained the backbone of every developed society.

This, she said, was due to its ability to shape the way people think, work and interact with the environment.

“Nigeria, like many developing nations, is facing a lot of challenges, ranging from power shortages, inadequate infrastructure and environmental concerns among others.

“The nation needs a generation of young engineers to solve these problems; the young engineers are expected to be at the forefront of finding innovative, cost-effective and sustainable solutions to these challenges,” she said.

The guest speaker of the event, Engr. Dr Anthony Adeniyi, charged the inductees to first prioritise, always willing to add value to themselves over money.

He urged the inductees to seek graduate internship placements that would help them achieve a smooth transition from classroom theories to practical realities.

A civil engineering inductee, Miss Shekinah Sadiq, explained the possibility of a female engineer developing an inferiority complex in a male-dominated profession.

Nevertheless, Sadiq charged her female colleagues never to relent but to work harder to distinguish themselves in the various engineering fields.

She expressed her desire to start as an intern to broaden her knowledge and later explore other career options such as the entrepreneurial and management aspects of engineering.

The event featured award presentations to the overall male and female best graduating students and best graduating students from the engineering department in the Faculty of Technology.

Once upon a time, in the heart of Northern Nigeria, there was a young boy named Bello Tobiloba Abdullahi. Bello lived in a small village surrounded by hills, rivers, and vast forests. The village was a peaceful place, but there was one thing that always fascinated Bello—technology. He had heard stories about a magical land called the Digital Forest, a place where everything could be created, fixed, and changed using technology.

Bello was a curious boy, always asking questions and exploring new things. He didn’t have much, but he had a big heart and an even bigger dream. Every day, he would help his parents with chores, but in his free time, he would sneak away to the village library. There, he spent hours reading books about computers and learning how they worked.

One sunny afternoon, while Bello was wandering near the edge of the village, he noticed something unusual. At the base of a huge, ancient tree, he found a strange, glowing stone. It was as if the stone was calling him. Without thinking, Bello picked it up. Suddenly, the ground beneath him began to shake, and the air sparkled with colors. Before he knew it, Bello was whisked away into a world full of shimmering lights, colorful clouds, and strange symbols.

He had entered the Digital Forest.

The Digital Forest was unlike any place Bello had ever seen. The trees were made of glowing data, and the rivers sparkled with streams of information. In the distance, he could see large, floating screens and giant robots dancing among the clouds. It was a world of endless possibilities, where anything could be built with a single thought.

But Bello was not alone. A friendly voice echoed in the air, and out of the trees appeared a wise owl named Techie. Techie wore a pair of glasses and had a computer chip on his back.

“Welcome, Bello!” Techie said with a wink. “You’ve entered the Digital Forest, a land where dreams and ideas come to life. But to explore this world, you must learn the secret of Coding.”

Bello’s eyes sparkled. He had heard of coding before but had never known how to use it. “How do I learn this secret, Techie?” he asked eagerly.

Techie smiled. “You must embark on a quest to gather the Power Codes hidden deep within the forest. Each code will help you unlock new abilities and teach you how to build and create using the magic of technology.”

Bello was excited. He had always wanted to build things and learn how computers worked. “I’m ready!” he said, determined to succeed.

With Techie by his side, Bello set off on his adventure. Along the way, they met many helpful creatures: the Byte Bunnies, who could hop from one computer to another, the Pixel Pixies, who could change the color of anything with a flick of their wings, and the Data Dragons, who could breathe fire made of information. Each of these magical beings taught Bello a new skill. The Byte Bunnies taught him how to create computer programs, the Pixel Pixies helped him design colorful websites, and the Data Dragons showed him how to use coding to fix broken systems.

As Bello gathered the Power Codes, he became more confident. He built his first digital house using blocks of code, then created a garden where flowers bloomed with every click. He even made a robot friend named Zippy, who could carry his books and help him solve puzzles.

One day, Bello and Techie reached the heart of the Digital Forest. In front of them stood the Great Digital Tree, the oldest and most powerful tree in the forest. At its base was a glowing screen with a message: “Only the bravest coder can unlock the ultimate Power Code.”

Bello stepped forward, ready for the challenge. He used everything he had learned from his journey. With a few lines of code, he unlocked the final Power Code, and the Great Digital Tree lit up with brilliant colors. The sky above them turned into a canvas of stars, and the forest hummed with energy.

“You’ve done it, Bello!” Techie cheered. “You are now a Master Coder of the Digital Forest. With your skills, you can build, create, and help others in the real world too.”

Bello’s heart swelled with pride. He had not only unlocked the secrets of the Digital Forest but had also learned that technology could be used to help others, solve problems, and create amazing things.

With a wave of Techie’s wing, Bello found himself back in his village, holding the glowing stone. He was no longer just a curious boy; he was now a young master of technology, ready to teach the other children in his village the wonders of coding and digital creation.

From that day on, Bello Tobiloba Abdullahi became known as the boy who brought the magic of the Digital Forest to life, empowering the children of his village with the knowledge of technology. And as he grew older, he continued to spread the magic of coding, helping young minds all across Northern Nigeria unlock their potential and build a brighter future.

And so, Bello’s story became a legend—a story of courage, learning, and the endless possibilities of technology.