By Chidipeters Okorie
The second day of the Enugu Tech Festival witnessed scenes of raw emotion and uncontainable joy as beneficiaries of the ongoing digital empowerment drive by the Enugu Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, were visibly moved upon receiving new tools for innovation. In a moment that left many in tears, the recipients openly wept and cheered as they were presented with brand new HP laptops and Zinox Zpad X9 Tablet Pros by the state’s Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh.
Ongoing at the expansive Enugu International Conference Centre, the festival — now in full swing — has become a powerful symbol of Enugu’s commitment to digital transformation. The event, which began on Wednesday, has already drawn crowds numbering over 22,000, with 15,000 attendees on the first day alone and more than 7,000 streaming in on Thursday.
For many young participants, the moment they were handed sleek new laptops and tablets was simply overwhelming. Some dropped to their knees in gratitude, others clutched the devices tightly, tears spilling down their cheeks. Amid the flash of cameras and murmurs of appreciation, a singular sentiment echoed: hope.
“I never thought I would own a laptop in my life,” said Emmanuel Daren, a final-year computer science student who had travelled from Nsukka to attend. “This is not just a gift; it’s a turning point.”
Dozens of young innovators echoed similar sentiments, many expressing disbelief that the state was investing so directly in their futures. Several openly thanked Dr Ezeh, describing him as a “visionary” and “a true friend of the youth.”
Addressing a visibly energised crowd, Dr. Ezeh delivered a rousing call to action, urging recipients of laptops and tablets to view the opportunity not merely as a reward, but as a solemn responsibility.
“These tools are now in your hands,” he said, his voice resonating with urgency. “This is not just a gift — this is a trust. The future of our state, of our communities, now rests in your hands. What you do with these resources will not only define your individual futures, but will also chart the course for generations to come. We are counting on you to bring forth new ideas, new applications, and homegrown solutions that address the real and pressing problems faced by our people every single day.”
Dr. Ezeh’s words echoed the aspirations of Governor Peter Mbah, who has championed a bold, future-forward vision for the state. “This initiative is in line with the Governor’s vision for you. When he says, ‘Tomorrow is here,’ he is speaking directly to you. You are that tomorrow. It is no longer a distant dream; it is happening now. Your creativity, your innovation, your drive — this is what will define the future of our state.”
He continued, pausing to let the weight of his words sink in. “Governor Mbah has not and will not disappoint you. He has placed his trust in you, and in turn, you must rise to the occasion. Take his message and spread it across every corner of this land — from the bustling cities to our villages. Our state is built on the collective efforts of its people, and this is your chance to contribute to that effort.”
With an air of conviction, Dr. Ezeh encouraged the recipients to remain focused. “Stay focused on the task at hand, believe in the Governor’s vision laid out for you, and I assure you — His Excellency will continue to do more. He has, the plans, and the commitment to ensure that your success becomes the state’s success. Do not let this moment pass by.”
The Enugu Tech Festival, designed to promote technological literacy and foster entrepreneurial development, is part of a wider state government strategy to position Enugu as a innovation powerhouse. With hundreds more laptops and tablets set to be distributed during today’s final sessions, anticipation remains high.
Observers say the festival is already surpassing expectations — not just in turnout, but in substance. “It’s not about gadgets,” said Ngozi Agorum, a tech mentor. “It’s about planting the seeds of a tech ecosystem. This is how you build a digital economy — one young mind at a time.”
As the festival concludes today, Friday 9 May, Commissioner revealed that more than 100 participants are expected to walk away with new devices — a boost not just to morale, but to long-term capacity.
So far, among those who won devices on Thursday are Ani Chimuanya, Eze Ugochukwu, Orji Somtochukwu, Ethel Solomon, Ngwu Chinaza, Nnamani Okoh Esther, Esther Onyinyechi Okoli and Udemgaba Obioha — each representing a future the state hopes to empower: driven, connected, and full of potential.
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