With the preparations gearing up for the February 2026 Enugu Tech Festival 2.0 (ETF) titled “Coal to Code: Energy in New Form,” Kingmakers Company renowned for its ownership of BetKing Nigeria Ltd, has officially endorsed the event, which is poised to become one of the largest technology gatherings on the African continent. The momentous endorsement took place in Lagos during a significant meeting between Chief Gossy Ukanwoke, Managing Director of KingMakers, and Dr. Prince Lawrence Eze, Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, alongside his ETF team.
In a statement Tuesday in Enugu, Dr. Eze hailed the endorsement as a monumental boost for ETF 2026, commonly referred to as ETF 2.0. “This endorsement is huge good news for ETF 2026,” he emphasized. “With Gossy Ukanwoke putting his stamp on this, we are set for innovation and impact.”
Dr. Eze elaborated on the festival’s foundation, crediting Governor Peter Mbah’s visionary leadership in crafting a long-lasting legacy through the technological initiative. “The ETF is a testament to Governor Mbah’s administration’s dedication to making Enugu the Silicon Valley of Nigeria and a true beacon of progress in Africa,” he asserted.
Highlighting Enugu State’s rapid development, Dr. Eze remarked, “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.” He further expressed confidence that the governor’s focus on digital transformation, smart governance, and youth-driven development is instrumental in attracting investments and creating sustainable growth opportunities.
Dr. Eze anticipates substantial participation for ETF 2026, predicting around 50,000 attendees. He noted, “The ETF aims to showcase educational exchanges, foster collaboration among tech innovators, and boost entrepreneurship.” To facilitate this, a Central Planning Committee has been inaugurated, which includes 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,” stated Dr. Eze, illustrating the festival’s commitment to significant technological advancements.
Earlier in the event, Chief Gossy Ukanwoke articulated KingMakers’ broader mission, stating that under his leadership, the company transcends the realm of gaming and sports-betting entertainment. “We have continued to drive social impact, especially around inclusion and support for para-athletes in Nigeria.” Ukanwoke underscored the company’s guiding philosophy, the “KingMaker Philosophy,” which emphasizes empowerment and success for others. “Thus, we are investing in education, innovation, and meaningful tech-driven change,” he asserted.
Reflecting on the role of technology in societal development, Ukanwoke mentioned his personal commitment to education and innovation, recalling his foundational work in the establishment of Beni American University (online) and his involvement in EdTech, which aided traditional universities in transitioning to online platforms.
Scheduled to take place from February 24 to February 27, 2026, at the International Conference Center in Enugu, ETF 2026 promises to be a dynamic event.
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.
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