The IT Governor of the Year Award, presented during the South-East Zonal IT Assembly and Workshop in Awka, acknowledges Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration for advancing digital innovation, technology development, and widespread skills acquisition.
The three-day assembly, held from November 12 to 14, 2026, gathered technology professionals, academics, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to evaluate the role of emerging technologies—particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI)—in regional and national development. Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo dedicated the award to the citizens of Anambra and the various stakeholders who have contributed to the state’s expanding technology ecosystem.
During the event, the administration’s objective was stated as making modern-day technology available everyday and everywhere. Officials said that while AI presents certain challenges, the government remains focused on harnessing its positive potential to transform lives.
The administration also highlighted its intentional investment in IT resources and youth skill development, citing the one youth, two skills initiative as a pillar of the broader goal to create a One Million Digital Tribe.
Ms. Chinwe Okoli, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, provided a detailed overview of the state’s digital development strategy. Beyond the 1 Million Anambra Digital Tribe initiative and Code Anambra programs, the strategy incorporates 22 completed smart schools, 21 privately established innovation hubs, and technology clubs integrated into secondary schools.
Ms. Okoli, who also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Solution Innovation District (SID), said that the district has already supported 111 active startups and deployed ₦364 million in seed funding. 80 startups have recently graduated from SID’s incubation and acceleration programs, receiving ¢80 million in support.
She confirmed that the former Government House is a 13.7-hectare property that has been designated as the permanent campus for SID, with an official commissioning scheduled for early 2027 during Anambra Innovation Week.
Keynote speaker Professor Chinedu Nebo, Vice-Chancellor of the University on the Niger, praised Governor Soludo's leadership and the SID's work in creating platforms that empower youths to use technology.
However, Professor Nebo cautioned that AI adoption must be inclusive, warning against leaving behind underserved populations, women, and the physically challenged. He pointed to risks such as data breaches, digital divides, and social discrimination, urging stakeholders to ensure that technological progress addresses human needs.
NCS South-East Zonal Coordinator Engr. Chidiebere Ugwuegbulam called for stronger collaborative efforts between government, academia, and the private sector. Engr. David Okeya, the Chairman of the NCS Anambra State Chapter, urged participants to translate the assembly’s discussions into meaningful partnerships and actionable commitments to strengthen the South-East’s role in Nigeria’s digital economy.