The Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Prince Lawrence Eze, has reinforced the state government’s commitment to transforming the economic identity of the youth through the Enugutek Festival.
Speaking on the essence of the upcoming gathering, the Commissioner noted that the initiative is a direct brainchild of his ministry, designed to fulfil the vision of Governor Peter Mbah.
According to him, the festival serves as a platform to transition the state’s young population from traditional roles into the global digital economy.
Eze observed that for too long, the aspirations of young people in the state were limited to seeking political appointments. He highlighted a historical trend where the youth preferred becoming Executive Assistants, Technical Assistants, or Special Assistants to the Governor.
The Commissioner lamented that these roles often lacked professional substance, creating a culture where young people expected financial rewards without providing commensurate value or developing any sustainable career path.
The Commissioner further explained that the current administration viewed these “appointments” as a degradation of the potential of the youth. He noted that over time, titles were downgraded from Senior Special Assistants to simple “EA” or “TA” roles.
In his view, while these positions provided temporary financial relief, they were essentially a waste of human capital. He stressed that receiving money from the government for doing nothing productive only served to stifle the growth and future of the younger generation.
“In a bold policy shift, Governor Peter Mbah has moved to redirect these resources toward skill acquisition and capacity building”. Eze stated.
The Commissioner stated that the Governor is firm in his belief that the most effective way to assist a young person is to help them acquire a life-long skill.
He argued that simply handing out stipends under the guise of political assistance does more harm than good by making the recipients dependent on a system that does not prepare them for the real world.
Eze was emphatic about the necessity of technical competence, asserting that any individual without modern skills is fundamentally unemployable in today’s market.
“The era of relying on government patronage for survival is coming to an end in Enugu State. The focus has now shifted to ensuring that every citizen has the tools to compete in the contemporary global economy, rather than waiting for political handouts that offer no long-term security”. He said.
The Commissioner pointed out that without specialised skills, the only jobs available to the youth are menial and physically draining tasks. He cited examples such as manual excavation for foundations or septic tanks and other low-skill labour.
He argued that no parent who truly loves their child would want them to be restricted to such labour when the contemporary world offers far more lucrative and dignified opportunities through technology and innovation.
According to Prince Eze, “The Enugutek Festival is the vehicle through which this new lease of life is being delivered to the people of Enugu”.
He described the festival as a strategic move to “migrate” the mindset of the youth from the old practices of the past toward a future where they are creators and innovators. “The ministry is working to ensure that the “Enugu child” is equipped with the right expertise to reach the pinnacle of any industry they choose to enter”. Prince Eze stated.
He emphasised that the “conventional old practice” of political jobbing is being replaced by a culture of productivity and self-reliance. “The state’s investment in the tech festival is a testament to the Governor’s desire to see Enugu become a hub for innovation. By focusing on science and technology, the ministry aims to create an ecosystem where talent is nurtured and translated into economic value, moving away from the “money for nothing” syndrome. Eze said.
The Commissioner also challenged stakeholders and parents to take a critical look at the current global trends. He noted that the world is no longer impressed by titles but by what an individual can do with their hands and mind.
Reflecting on the Governor’s stance, Eze noted that Dr Peter Mbah’s administration is not interested in populist moves that yield no lasting fruit. Instead, the government is making the hard but necessary choice to stop wasting the lives of young people through unproductive political engagements.
The goal is to create a generation of entrepreneurs and professionals who can stand on their own feet and contribute to the state’s Gross Domestic Product.
The Enugutek Festival is expected to showcase various technological advancements and provide networking opportunities for startups and enthusiasts.
It is domiciled within the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology to ensure professional oversight and alignment with the state’s broader economic goals.
The Commissioner urged the public to see the festival not just as an event, but as a turning point for the state’s industrial and digital revolution.
He reiterated that the ministry remains open to collaborations that will further the cause of innovation in the state.
The Commissioner believe that with the right environment, the youth of Enugu can compete with their counterparts in Silicon Valley or any other global tech hub.
This vision, he said, is what drives every initiative under the Enugutek umbrella, as the state seeks to rewrite its history from one of political aides to one of technical experts.
As preparations for the festival reach an advanced stage, the government is calling on all young people to take advantage of the opportunities being presented.
The shift from “Coal to Code” is not just a slogan but a practical roadmap for the state’s development. The Commissioner expressed confidence that the upcoming festival will prove to be a landmark event that will redefine the career trajectories of thousands of Enugu residents.
Prince Lawrence Eze noted that the success of the Enugutek Festival would be measured by the number of young people who move from being “unemployable” to becoming employers of labour.
He concluded that the era of political “EA” and “TA” roles as a primary means of youth engagement is over, replaced by a new dawn of innovation, skill, and genuine empowerment under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah.