Events

Enugu Targets 50,000 for 2026 Tech Festival to Drive Innovation

Published

1 year ago

July 14, 2025

Enugu Tech Festival 2026 aims for 50,000 participants, spotlighting innovation and transforming the state’s coal legacy into a thriving digital economy

The Enugu State Government has unveiled ambitious plans for the 2026 edition of the Enugu Tech Festival, targeting 50,000 participants from across the country.

Also read: Enugu to host 23rd national sports festival in 2026

Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Lawrence Ezeh, made the announcement in Enugu while inaugurating the festival’s Central Planning Committee.

The event, themed ‘Coal to Code: Energy in New Form’, is scheduled to take place from 24 to 27 February 2026. It will explore how technology and innovation can transform Enugu’s coal heritage into a dynamic digital economy.

“We are building on the success of our inaugural Tech Festival, which attracted over 28,000 participants. For 2026, our target is 50,000,” Dr Ezeh said.

He explained that the festival supports the development vision of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration, which aims to make Enugu a leading hub for digital skills and innovation.

“This festival speaks directly to Governor Mbah’s commitment to a tech-enabled future for our state. We are creating an ecosystem that fosters creativity, innovation and job creation,” he added.

Dr Ezeh revealed that the planning committee includes a Local Organising Committee (LOC) and an advisory board. While the LOC will oversee logistics and stakeholder engagement, the advisory board will offer strategic direction and partnership mobilisation.

Activities lined up include keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, exhibitions, and networking events focused on entrepreneurship and digital growth.

He described the theme ‘Coal to Code’ as symbolic of Enugu’s evolution from a coal-powered past to a digitally-driven future.

“I was privileged to engage with global innovators at the VIVA Tech event in Paris. We want to replicate that energy and structure in Enugu, using international best practices blended with local ideas,” he said.

Also read: Enugu State nominates four historic sites for UNESCO world heritage status

Dr Ezeh encouraged the private sector, academic institutions, and youth to participate actively. He expressed confidence that the 2026 festival would attract local and international partnerships, boost innovation, and reposition Enugu as a tech investment destination.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”