The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a thriving digital and innovative ecosystem in the state.
Speaking on Friday at the grand finale of the 2024 Anambra Innovation Week held at the International Convention Centre in Awka, Governor Soludo described technology as a cornerstone of his developmental agenda.
“We are on a long journey with technology and innovation,” Soludo said, emphasizing the vision to transform Anambra into a hub of technological excellence. “Think of our own Silicon Valley. We are building a human capital base that is productive at home and exportable abroad.”
The event, themed “Creating the Africa Now,” showcased a week of activities aimed at promoting innovation and technological advancement across sectors.
The governor highlighted his administration’s strategy to position Anambra as a center for commerce, logistics, and entertainment, while integrating technology into these sectors. He expressed gratitude to participants from 24 Nigerian states who attended the event, noting its growing significance.
Anambra’s Special Adviser on Innovation and Business Incubation, Chinwe Okoli, lauded the governor’s vision and described the Innovation Week as a landmark initiative. “This event reflects Governor Soludo’s mantra of ‘everything technology, technology everywhere,’” Okoli said.
As a highlight of the Innovation Week, young inventors competed in the “Battle for Solution” contest, with winners receiving a total of ₦100 million in cash awards.
Chinwe Okoli outlined the event’s goals, which included demystifying innovation, providing career guidance for youth, and advancing digital transformation in small and medium enterprises.
In his keynote address, Ehia Ehabo, co-founder of AI in Nigeria, emphasized Africa’s potential for technological growth. “For every challenge in Africa, there are multiple opportunities,” Ehabo said, urging stakeholders to harness the continent’s vibrant youth population.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu; Head of Service, Barrister Theodora Igwegbe; and tech experts from Meta, AI, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Governor Soludo’s vision aligns with efforts to position Anambra as a leader in Nigeria’s digital economy, ensuring that technology becomes a catalyst for sustainable growth and development in the region.
