By Emma Elekwa
Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Dr Law Mefor, says Gov. Chukwuma Soludo is laying the foundation for a technology-driven economy aimed at positioning the state as a leading digital hub in Africa.
Mefor stated this on Wednesday in Awka while receiving a delegation from the Office of the Public Relations Officer of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK).
He said the Soludo administration viewed innovation and technology as critical drivers of the state’s future development.
“Tech is important. Mr Governor believes, and I agree with him, that the future of Anambra lies in innovation and technology, not merely in trade and commerce,” he said.
The commissioner said the government had taken practical steps to realise the vision through the Solution Innovation District (SID).
200,600 Youths Trained by SID
According to him, SID had trained more than 200,600 youths in technology and digital skills.
He noted that beneficiaries of the programme were not only employable within Nigeria but were also competitive in the global technology market.
“Our products are not only employable here in Anambra and Nigeria; they are also exportable abroad.
“Today, our products are found in global tech companies such as Google, Microsoft and Oracle,” Mefor said.
He further disclosed that the Old Government House premises had been handed over to SID for development into a technology ecosystem comparable to Silicon Valley.
“The entire Old Government House premises have been handed over to SID to develop into our own Silicon Valley, a digital hub not just for Nigeria but for Africa,” he said.
Mefor pledged to facilitate collaboration between the students and SID management for mentorship and partnership opportunities.
He also advised students to avoid distractions such as cultism, internet fraud and other social vices.
He urged them to remain focused on their studies and personal development.
“Good grades are 70 per cent hard work. Focus on the real things of life. Where there is a will, there is a way,” he said.
Tech Media Expo
The commissioner expressed the ministry’s readiness to support the students’ initiative and to serve as keynote speaker at the “Tech Media Expo 1.0” scheduled for July 3.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and UNIZIK SUG Public Relations Officer, Mr Ifeanyi Nduba, congratulated Mefor on his appointment.
Nduba presented “Synergy Hub”, a technology and media mentorship platform designed to connect professionals with students and young talents.
He said the initiative was aimed at equipping students with practical skills and preparing them for the job market.
He also invited the commissioner to deliver the keynote address at the July 3 technology expo.
