From 23 to 25 April, the three-day gathering at the Protea Hotel in Owerri has already drawn researchers, start-ups, investors, and policy-makers across West Africa.

Declaring the summit open, Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma stated that Imo was “determined to set the national pace in artificial intelligence,” adding that his administration has allocated new funds for broadband, an innovation hub, and STEM scholarships.

Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, NCS president described the gathering as “the Society’s most ambitious summit,” stressing that closer state–professional collaboration is vital if Nigeria is to implement the National AI Strategy unveiled by the Federal Ministry of Communications last December.

In a press statement signed by Mr. ‘Segun Adekunle, executive secretary, NCS, the President highlighted sessions on ethical governance, local-language large-language model development, and AI-driven precision agriculture as areas where Imo can pilot quick wins.

Tech entrepreneur Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman of Zinox Group and keynote speaker at the opening of the event, praised the governor’s “record-breaking” spend on human-capital development, urging Nigerian banks to align public commitments with seed funding for southeast founders.

Running under the theme, “Enabling Artificial Intelligence Systems for Rapid National Growth,” the summit combines high-level policy dialogue with hands-on innovation: over three days, delegates will transition from keynote debates to technical workshops, participate in an AI Challenge student hackathon, engage in a start-up expo, and take part in investor round-tables, with a closing communiqué expected to outline an NCS–Imo roadmap for an AI Innovation & Capacity-Building Centre scheduled to open later this year.

NCS officials say insights from the sessions will be forwarded to federal and state legislators as Nigeria prepares to implement the National AI Strategy released in December.

The summit continues today with panels on smart-city deployment and generative AI applications in health and education.

It will conclude tomorrow with the presentation of hackathon winners and the signing of a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Nigeria Computer Society and the Imo State Government.

According to the organizers of the prestigious awards, Digital skill acquisition, innovation and technology adoption, perception of opportunities, optimising service and performance, youth Empowerment, overall quality of digital innovation and contribution to the digital economy  advancement, digital transformation, contribution to end-user quality-of-experience, Consistency were key components in the criteria considered by the Tech TV intelligence unit panel that selected the award winners. The four months long period involved gathering a series of detailed information on KPIs, Innovation, growth strategies and digital compliance.

At the end, Imo State Government was adjudged overall winner among other States nominated in the category for its relentless efforts and impact in promoting and encouraging the development of ICT and digital technologies in the state. The rate of ICT adoption in the state according to the citation is extremely impressive. The state is the first to established a full-fledged Ministry of Digital Economy and e-Government.

Addressing the Media after the event, Prisca Amaefule, Programme Manager, SkillUpImo who represented the Imo State Governor noted that Imo State under the Leadership of Governor Hope Uzodinma will continue to use ICTs as a tool to skill up the state digital operations and national development.  He thanked the organizer of the Titans of Tech Awards for the transparency in the awards process. According to her, The SkillUpImo project has become a reference point which has given opportunity for the young people in the state to acquire digital skills and also given start up equipment or seed funding to start their businesses.

“We are a fully Tech-Driven State that is utilizing technology to straighten administrative processes, and make governance, businesses and investment appealing and attractive. In fact, we can pride ourselves as a state powered by technology.”  Prisca said.

The Titans of Tech Awards is organized by TechTV, Nigeria’s No.1 Technology and Business Analysis digital platform that seeks to explore the interplay between technology, productivity, entertainment and national development in the light of the growing digital economy.

Its mission is to engender economic policy that supports Africa’s long-term digital economy growth and transformation with a vision to produce research, offer policy advice, and galvanize action for African Leaders to develop their digital agenda.

The Titans of Tech Awards popularly called Nigeria’s Tech Industry Grammy is designed to celebrate hi-tech most important movers and shakers; the pioneers, innovators and connectors. Men, women, organisations and institutions who are at the forefront of pushing technology adoption and usage in Nigeria and across Africa.

The 2022 event was chaired by former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro and other Tech Industry Stakeholders including Presidents of IT and Telecom Associations.

The Fate Institute State-Level Entrepreneurial Index Ranking measures the enabling environment for entrepreneurship in each state of the country, including access to finance, infrastructure, and human capital. 

Both the public and private sectors are playing significant roles in the development of these states.

Measured according to business performance, skills acquisition, innovation and technology adoption, perception of future opportunities, enabling business environment, index score and rank, the top 10 states leading entrepreneurship development in Nigeria according to the 2022 ranking are:

1. Imo 

Imo State has made significant strides in entrepreneurship development, particularly in the technology sector. The state has a growing number of startups and incubators, and has invested in infrastructure development to support entrepreneurship. 

The state government has launched several initiatives to support small businesses and startups, and the local ecosystem has seen an influx of investment and innovation.

One of the most notable entrepreneurship development initiatives in Imo State is the Imo State Investment Promotion Agency (ISIPA), which was established to attract investment to the state and support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). ISIPA offers a range of services to entrepreneurs and investors, including investment facilitation, business registration, and access to funding.

Imo State’s business performance was 0.17, with skills acquisition of 0.16, innovation and technology adoption measured 0.18, perception of future opportunities was 0.22, enabling business environment indicated 0.08, while index score was 0.82 and rank was 1.

2. Bauchi

Bauchi State has a relatively young population and has invested in human capital development. The state has also launched several initiatives to support entrepreneurship and innovation, including a technology hub. With business performance of 0.15, Bauchi measured 0.14 for skills acquisition, 0.17 in innovation and technology adoption, 0.21 for perception of future opportunities, enabling business environment was 0.05, index score was 0.72, with rank of 2.

Bauchi State Investment Promotion Agency (BIPA), was established to attract investment to the state and support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). BIPA offers a range of services to entrepreneurs and investors, including investment facilitation, business registration, and access to funding.

In addition to BIPA, Bauchi State has also established the Bauchi State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (BASMEDA), which provides training and capacity building for SMEs, as well as access to finance and other resources.

3. Delta

Delta State has a strong manufacturing base and has launched several initiatives to support entrepreneurship and attract investment. The state has also invested in infrastructure development to support entrepreneurship. While the state’s business performance was 0.16, its skills acquisition was 0.12, innovation and technology adoption was 0.13, perception of future opportunities measured 0.23, enabling business environment was fixed at 0.05, while index score and rank were 0.70 and 3 respectively.

Delta State Investment Development Agency (DIDA), which was established to attract investment to the state and support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). DIDA offers a range of services to entrepreneurs and investors, including investment facilitation, business registration, and access to funding.

In addition to DIDA, Delta State has also established the Delta State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (DESMEDA), which provides training and capacity building for SMEs, as well as access to finance and other resources.

The state government has also launched several other initiatives to support entrepreneurship development, such as the Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund, which provides funding and technical assistance to SMEs, and the Delta State Innovation Hub, which provides a platform for entrepreneurs to access resources and collaborate with other startups.

4. Plateau

Plateau State, which ranked fourth has a growing tourism sector and has invested in infrastructure development to support entrepreneurship. The state has also launched several initiatives to support innovation and technology. 

Plateau State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (PLASMEDA), established to provide training, funding and support to SMEs in the state, offers a range of services to entrepreneurs and investors, including business advisory, mentorship, and access to finance.

In addition to PLASMEDA, Plateau State has also established the Plateau State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA), which provides training and capacity building for SMEs in the technology industry, as well as access to funding and other resources.

The state government has also launched several other initiatives to support entrepreneurship development, such as the Plateau State Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme (PL-YESS), which provides training and funding for young entrepreneurs, and the Plateau State Economic and Investment Summit, which provides a platform for entrepreneurs to network and access funding opportunities.

In business performance it had a score of 0.15, skills acquisition of 0.15, innovation and technology adoption was also 0.15, perception of future opportunities, 0.21, enabling business environment was 0.04, with an index score of 0.69.

5. Gombe

Despite being a relatively small state, Gombe has made significant progress in the technology space in recent years, thanks to the efforts of the state government, private sector, and tech enthusiasts.

One of the most notable technology initiatives in Gombe is the Gombe State Innovation Hub, which was established by the state government to support tech startups and innovation. The hub provides co-working spaces, mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to a network of tech experts and investors.

In addition to the innovation hub, Gombe has also launched several other initiatives to support technology and innovation, such as the Gombe Goes Digital program, which aims to digitize government services and processes, and the Gombe Tech Academy, which provides training and skills development for young people in tech-related fields.

In business performance, it measured 0.15, skills acquisition; 0.14, innovation and technology adoption; 0.15, perception of future opportunities; 0.20, enabling business environment; 0.04, index score; 0.69 and rank of 5.

6. Bayelsa

Bayelsa State has a growing technology ecosystem, with several startups and incubators. The state has also invested in infrastructure development to support entrepreneurship.

One of the most notable entrepreneurship development initiatives in Bayelsa State is the Bayelsa State Microfinance & Enterprise Development Agency (BYMEDA), which was established to provide training, funding and support to SMEs in the state. BYMEDA offers a range of services to entrepreneurs and investors, including business advisory, mentorship, and access to finance.

Business performance was 0.14, skills acquisition; 0.14, innovation and technology adoption; 0.15, perception of future opportunities; 0.20, enabling business environment; 0.05, index score; 0.68 and rank; 6.

7. Edo

Edo State has a growing technology ecosystem, with several startups and incubators. The state has also established a venture capital fund to support early-stage startups.

Business performance was 0.14, skills acquisition; 0.13, innovation and technology adoption; 0.14, perception of future opportunities; 0.21, enabling business environment; 0.05, index score; 0.67 and rank; 7.

A significant move in the state is the Edo State Skills Development Agency (EdoJobs), which was established to provide training, funding and support to SMEs in the state. EdoJobs offers a range of services to entrepreneurs and investors, including business advisory, mentorship, and access to finance.

The State has also established the Edo State Innovation Hub, which provides training and capacity building for SMEs in the technology industry, as well as access to funding and other resources.

8. Kaduna

Kaduna State has invested in infrastructure development, particularly in the transportation sector. The state has also launched several initiatives to support entrepreneurship and attract investment.

Business performance; 0.12, skills acquisition; 0.12, innovation and technology adoption; 0.17, perception of future opportunities; 0.20, enabling business environment; 0.05, index score; 0.66 and rank of 8.

Kaduna State has built notable entrepreneurship development initiatives including the Kaduna Startup & Entrepreneurship Programme (KADSTEP), which was established to provide training, funding and support to SMEs in the state. KADSTEP offers a range of services to entrepreneurs and investors, including business advisory, mentorship, and access to finance.

In addition to KADSTEP, Kaduna State has also established the Kaduna State ICT Hub, which provides training and capacity building for SMEs in the technology industry, as well as access to funding and other resources.

9. Ebonyi

Ebonyi State has a relatively young population and has invested in human capital development. The state has also launched several initiatives to support entrepreneurship and innovation.

Ebonyi State Ministry of Empowerment and Job Creation was established to provide training, funding, and support to SMEs in the state. The ministry offers a range of services to entrepreneurs and investors, including business advisory, mentorship, and access to finance.

The State has also established the Ebonyi State Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, which provides training and capacity building for SMEs in various industries, as well as access to funding and other resources.

With rank of 9, Ebonyi States business performance was 0.15, skills acquisition was 0.12, innovation and technology adoption; 0.15, perception of future opportunities; 0.19, enabling business environment; 0.04, and index score; 0.65.

10. Benue

Benue State has a growing agriculture sector and has launched several initiatives to support agribusiness and entrepreneurship development, such as the Benue State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund, which provides access to affordable loans for SMEs in the state, and the Benue State Youth Empowerment Scheme, which provides training and funding for young entrepreneurs.

The private sector is also playing a significant role in entrepreneurship development in Benue State. The state has a growing agriculture and agribusiness ecosystem, with several startups and agribusiness incubators, and companies such as Dangote Group, which produces a range of products from cement to sugar, are contributing to the growth of the local economy.

Business performance for Benue State was measured at 0.13, while skills acquisition indicated 0.14. Innovation and technology adoption was 0.15, perception of future opportunities; 0.20, enabling business environment; 0.05, index score of 0.65 and ranked 10.

These 10 states are leading the way in entrepreneurship development in Nigeria, creating a supportive environment for startups and small businesses to thrive. 

The ranking is a useful tool for policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs to identify areas for improvement and investment. 

By supporting entrepreneurship, Nigeria can unlock its full economic potential and create jobs for its growing population.

The South East state of Imo has ranked number one in terms of digital innovation and entrepreneurship development.

The new State of Entrepreneurship Index Report for Nigeria by the FATE Institute of the popular FATE Foundation placed Imo atop other states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Public Relations Officer (PRO), Imo State Ministry of Digital Economy & E-Government, Sandra Opara, disclosed this in a statement.

The entrepreneurship index is a yearly measure of state of entrepreneurship development in Nigeria.

Imo State swept the points in the five parameters considered in the study that produced the report.

The parameters include business performance; skills acquisition, innovation and digital technology adoption, perception of the future opportunities and enabling business environment. Each parameter carries 20 points.

According to the report, Imo scored 17, 16, 18, 22 and 8 respectively, recording an aggregate Index Score of 82.

With 82 aggregate points, Imo gapped the first runner-up, Bauchi, by 10 points. While Bauchi scored 72 points, Delta scored 70. 

In the report, Kaduna, Lagos, Rivers, Oyo, Ogun, and Kano were ranked 8th, 13th , 15th 16th, 17th and 21st respectively, while FCT managed 36th and Taraba 37th positions.

After the top three, there are 12 states with between 60 and 69 points; 15 states within 50 and 59; three between 40 and 49 while the last- Kogi, FCT and Taraba scored between 36 and 39 points.

Commenting on the report, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, the Commissioner for Digital Economy & E-Government in Imo, expressed satisfaction that the digital entrepreneurship initiative for the youths was yielding positive result.

“We are happy that our modest work in Imo State, via SkillUpImo Project and other laudable people-centric initiatives, under the leadership of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, has placed the state on the top of the national log of the State-Level Entrepreneurship Index ranking published by the FATE Institute,” he said.

According to him, SkillUpImo alone, in particular, aims to train 300,000 youths in the state, adding that the implementation has been upbeat, with 5,000 trained in various digital skills, while the ministry targets 15,000 in the second Cohort.

He expressed the governor’s commitment to driving greater entrepreneurship and creating enabling environment for such to thrive, saying that already, big organisations and tech giants were partnering Imo in the drive, as beneficiaries of the scheme, who had been gainfully employed or self-employed, were contributing to the state’s economic development.

Adenike Adeyemi, FATE Foundation’s Executive Director, said: “Given that entrepreneurship is key to the development of any economy through its contribution to job creation, revenue generation and improved citizens’ welfare, this index provides quantifiable information that can help policy makers to assess interventions against a set of indicators – business performance, skill acquisition, innovation and technology adoption, perception of opportunities and an enabling business environment.”

According to Nigeria’s indigenous vehicle manufacturing company, the N2.5 billion was for the purchase price of the various IVM Vehicles including their parts which IVM manufactured, sold, and delivered to the State Government but its government had allegedly refused and failed to pay the same, despite repeated demands and appeals.

In a statement issued by the company’s Corporate Communications Head, Cornel Osigwe stated that “The lawsuit which was filed by Prof Joseph N Mbadugha, SAN, FCPA of McCarthy Mbadugha & Co, the counsel to Innoson Vehicles coming against repeated attempts made by the Chairman of Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, to the Governor urging him to pay the company on the vehicles sold, and delivered to the State Government.

“For the avoidance of doubt, sometimes in April 2021, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma invited the Chairman/CEO of Innoson Vehicles, Chief Dr. Innocent Chukwuma to the Imo State Government House, Owerri where they discussed and agreed that Innoson Vehicles would sell and supply various specifications of its brand of Vehicles to the State Government which includes, inter alia;

1. 70 units of Innoson 5 Seater double cabin pick-up (IVM Carrier) 4WD
2. 10 units of Innoson 5- Seater double cabin military pick up (IVM G12)
3. 10 units of Innoson 5 seater single cabin military pick-up (IVM G12)
4. 100 units of a complete siren with public addressing system, revolving light, and street police light;
5. 2 Units of IVM Ambulance Vehicles
6. 20 Units of IVM G12 MS11
7. 20 sets of B. Canopy

“The above vehicles which were valued at over N2.5 billion ($6.3M) were supplied in good faith to the Imo State Government based on an understanding with the Governor which arose after a special request that Innoson Vehicles grant the State the favor of paying for the vehicles after deliveries to them and which request was granted and honored.

“The special and privilege request granted to the Governor turned into a nightmare for Innoson Vehicles and Its Chairman after Chief Chukwuma had at various times through several visits, phone calls, messages, and submission of letters requesting payment appealed to the Governor and his conscience to make total payments or set up a payment plan that will offset the debt.

“The inability of the State Government to pay the aforesaid purchase price of the vehicles supplied has resulted in Innoson Vehicles having difficulties in fulfilling its loan repayment obligations to Keystone Bank Limited and Bank of Industry. These Banks granted their credit facilities at the rate of 10% interest and other fees therein. More so, it has led to the loss of profit arising therefrom and the accruing interest.

“It is also interesting to note that as of July 27th, 2022, the over N2.5 billion worth of vehicles supplied to Imo State Government in April 2021 which is valued at $6.3M is now worth $3.8M. Even if the money is paid today, the value of the money has depreciated by over 40 percent.

“It is therefore based on this premise that Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Ltd has begun the process of recovering its debts against the Imo State Government by slamming a lawsuit of over N2.5 billion with an interest rate of 10% on the entirety of the sum claimed at the High Court of Anambra State, Nnewi Division.”

Ekeh, a native of Mbaitoli in Imo State, announced the contribution during a quarterly Stakeholders Meeting/Luncheon hosted by the Imo State government on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.

The well-attended session, which was held at the Government House in Owerri, the Imo State capital, had in attendance Governor Hope Uzodinma, the Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, members of the expanded State Executive Council, as well as serving and past Imo State House of Assembly members and representatives from the National Assembly.

Also in attendance was President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor, former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim, elder statesman Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, legendary singer Onyeka Onwenu, as well as traditional rulers, members of the clergy and academia and other distinguished sons and daughters of Imo.

Speaking during the event, Ekeh, who was the Chairman on the occasion, asserted that the 21^st century is a knowledge economy which demands a new attitude and mindset.

He added that hard work, brilliance, humility and a firm belief in God are essential ingredients for success, even as he revealed that Imo State is blessed with a number of youths with these qualities.

Using himself as an example, Ekeh, the chairman of Zinox Group held that if he could achieve so much from nothing, certainly the current crop of young people in the state are better exposed, more brilliant and in a better position to achieve even more.

The digital entrepreneur explained that the N500m fund would be utilized in establishing a finishing school which would polish fresh graduates as well as the unemployed, equipping these beneficiaries with world class skills that would transform them into highly sought-after prospects that can compete with their peers globally. He added that the products of the school would become more marketable and would secure gainful employment in Nigeria and abroad, while also adding that he would source resource persons from around the world to mentor the beneficiaries and equally re-train their trainers.

Ekeh, who seized the opportunity to sue for peace in Imo State, also appealed to all aggrieved parties to forgive and forget the wrongs of the past, even as he urged them to join forces with the current administration to restore the glory of the state. In addition, he called on the media to exercise some restraint in their reportage and to refrain from unfairly portraying the state in bad light as a hotbed of insecurity.

‘‘I am not a politician and I will never be one in my lifetime. But nobody can convince me to fight against my state. Imo State belongs to all of us. We need to join hands with the current administration and whoever is in power to develop the state for our children and unborn generations,’’ he stated.

Further, Ekeh, the Zinox boss called on other well-meaning Imo indigenes at home and in the Diaspora to support the government and to join hands and commit to the latest project by volunteering to sponsor a minimum of five beneficiaries across each town through the finishing school. He added that the project would commence with the best qualified five per town until every unemployed graduate is re-trained in Imo state.

‘‘Through this finishing school, we will equally train the trainers and leverage on our brothers and sisters, both in Nigeria and in the Diaspora with global competences to re-train our unemployed and underemployed graduates to enhance their profiles in the global marketplace,’’ he submitted.

Also speaking at the event, Gov. Uzodinma, who delivered a scorecard of his administration’s performance within the past two years, hailed Ekeh for his unceasing contributions to the development of Imo State. While thanking him for his many selfless and philanthropic gestures in the past, Uzodinma also expressed gratitude to the Zinox boss for his latest initiative, adding that the proposed project would go a long way in supporting the state government’s human capital development drive.

Uzodinma, who announced the rebuilding of the demolished Eke Ukwu market, amid a host of other developmental projects across the state, restated his determination to ensure that Imo State regains its rightful place as the pride of the South-East and a tourist/investors’ haven.

‘‘My beloved Ndi-Imo, I want to reiterate my resolve to serve with all my heart and with all my strength, with the fear of God. One thing you can be assured of is that under my watch as your governor, not a pin belonging to Imo State will ever be unaccounted for.

‘‘Another thing you can be sure of is that our dear Imo will become great again,’’ he declared.

In addition to the finishing school which would be commissioned this year, Ekeh equally pledged to digitally upgrade and bring proceedings in the State House of Assembly online, allowing Imo indigenes and members of the various constituencies across the state the opportunity to engage with their elected representatives more closely and in real time.