The Bridge4Scale Digital Innovation Hub has concluded its digital acceleration programme in Awka, the Anambra State capital, to strengthen digital transformation across the Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
The event held at the International Convention Centre in Awka on Friday was attended by digitalization industry leaders, Stakeholders, creators, innovators, digital-preneurs, and various resource persons who took the time to discuss Southeast prospects as well as made commitments towards a digitalized future. Among them include; Christian Udechukwu, Anambra State Commissioner for Industry; Chiamaka Nnake, Anambra State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning; Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, Managing Director, Anambra State ICT Agency; Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology; Patrick Chukwuka, Managing Director, Anambra Small Business Agency; Engr. Chito Onwuzuluike, State Director, SMEDAN; Charles Emembolu, Chairman of the Board, Innovation Support Network; Prof Segun Sogbesan, Founder, Onitsha Business School; Chika Nwogu, Head of Strategy, Remita, among others.
Bridge4Scale, a part of the larger framework on digital innovation supported by international efforts and by the Digital Transformation Centre, Nigeria, and the European Union, is working to both drive and advance digitalization in the Southeast.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Thuweba Diweni, the head of the Digital Transformation Centre, Nigeria, observed the importance of digital capability, while also noting Nigeria’s efforts in enhancing digital growth and creating opportunities for local talents at continental and global levels. Dr. Diweni, who acknowledged the European Union’s support for the framework, reiterated that the support has strengthened DIH towards the pursuit of sustainable and scalable digital growth.
In his remarks, Barr. Ifedy Eze, one of the consortium’s partners, described the Digital Innovation Hub as “a catalyst for the Southeast economy.” According to Barr Eze, “Our ambition is to see Southeast businesses move from analogue constraints to digital advantage. This Hub is about enabling real enterprises to scale- bridging the gap from where they are to where the global market expects them to be.”
Obi Asika, the Director General of the National Council on Arts and Culture, commended the initiative, describing it as both timely and relevant to current realities.
At the event, the Southeast Digital Maturity Report was unveiled. This data-driven report, conducted by Bridge4Scale DIH, revealed gaps in skills, infrastructure, cybersecurity awareness, and other critical aspects of the digitization process in the Southeast. Thereafter, the Maiden Business Digitalization Programme was launched to provide support and mainstream digital tools in select enterprises within the Southeast geopolitical zone.
About Author
