Akwa Ibom State is set to accelerate its digital transformation after Governor Umo Eno announced a strategic partnership with tech company T2, aiming to position the state as a leading hub for technology and innovation in Nigeria. The announcement was made during the opening of the Ibom Ignite Conference 2025, a youth-focused leadership and entrepreneurship event designed to equip participants with the tools, networks, and insights to turn ideas into impactful ventures.
The partnership highlights Akwa Ibom’s ambition to compete with Nigeria’s tech giants. At the conference, Obafemi Banigbe, CEO of T2, outlined a vision for the state to lead in software development, artificial intelligence, and startup innovation. He expressed confidence in Akwa Ibom’s potential to become a “digital goldmine” akin to successes like Flutterwave and Paystack.
Education and human capital development are central to the initiative. Banigbe stressed that the state’s future growth depends on investing in youth education and digital skills. “The future is not built on oil; it is built on education, human capital, and digital skills,” he said. He warned that failing to nurture young talent could mean losing a generation of innovators poised to drive the region’s digital economy.
T2’s renewed focus aligns with Akwa Ibom’s growth ambitions. The company is positioning itself as a “digital business and lifestyle partner,” emphasizing youth- and startup-friendly solutions. Banigbe reiterated T2’s commitment to working closely with the state government to foster innovation, support the creative economy, and transform Akwa Ibom into a technology powerhouse in the South-South region.
The partnership marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s tech ecosystem outside Lagos and Abuja. By combining government support, private sector expertise, and a young, tech-savvy population, Akwa Ibom could emerge as a model for regional digital development, attracting investment, startups, and talent to the state. The Ibom Ignite Conference 2025 sets the stage for this transformation, showcasing a future where technology and entrepreneurship drive economic growth.
source: business day