By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA – The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has entered into a 15-year operational partnership with the Enugu State Government, handing over the management of its Digital Industrial Park and Learning Centre to accelerate digital innovation, artificial intelligence (AI) education and youth empowerment.
The agreement, signed at the Enugu State Government House on Tuesday, will see the facility transformed into the Enugu Talent City and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Institute, a flagship initiative designed to equip young Nigerians with advanced digital skills while supporting entrepreneurship and technology-driven economic growth.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, described the partnership as a strategic step towards unlocking the full potential of the facility.
He noted that while the Digital Industrial Park provides world-class infrastructure, innovation ultimately depends on the people who use it.
“Buildings alone do not create innovation. People do. Ideas do. Entrepreneurs do. Partnerships bring all these elements together,” Dr. Maida said.
According to him, the Enugu State Government has demonstrated the capacity and commitment to maximise the facility for the benefit of young people, entrepreneurs and the wider digital economy.
He expressed confidence that the partnership would enable thousands of youths to acquire 21st-century digital skills, transform innovative ideas into successful businesses and connect local enterprises with national and global opportunities.
Dr. Maida also said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to expanding digital inclusion across Nigeria.
He added that the NCC remains open to establishing similar partnerships with other states and communities willing to invest in digital innovation and human capital development.
Governor Peter Mbah welcomed the partnership, describing it as a major milestone in Enugu State’s digital transformation agenda.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting policies aimed at building a $1 trillion economy and said the collaboration reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive economic development.
Highlighting the growing influence of artificial intelligence on the global economy, Mbah noted that AI is projected to contribute about $20 trillion globally by 2030, stressing that Enugu is positioning its youths to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
The governor said his administration intends to create an environment where talented young people can offer digital services to global markets without leaving the state.
He added that the Digital Industrial Park would serve as a catalyst for job creation, innovation, entrepreneurship and economic prosperity, assuring that the state government would ensure the facility achieves its intended objectives.
