FIC REPORT (IMO STATE) – Imo State has received two national awards for its achievements in digital literacy, technology-driven governance and digital skills development.
The awards were presented by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Cisco Networking Academy at an award dinner in Abuja
NITDA, through its Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, presented the Sub-National Digital Transformation and Institutional Leadership Award to Imo Digital City Limited (IDCL) in recognition of its efforts to promote digital inclusion, improve literacy and expand access to technology.
Cisco Networking Academy named the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government (MDEEG) Nigeria’s Best Performing Cisco Networking Academy, following its records as the highest student participation in Cisco programmes in 2026.
These awards recognize the state government’s sustained investment in digital infrastructure, innovation and human capital development under Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration.
The ministry, in a press statement to the media, stated that the achievements reflected the implementation of the Imo Digital Economy Agenda (IDEA) 2022–2026, introduced following the establishment of MDEEG in October 2022 as Nigeria’s first sub-national ministry dedicated to digital economy and e-government.
It also identified SkillUpImo, the state’s flagship digital skills initiative, as a major driver of the transformation. The programme has trained more than 65,000 youths in artificial intelligence, software development, cybersecurity, block chain and other emerging technologies, adding that the ongoing fourth cohort was expected to raise the number of beneficiaries beyond 75,000, with digital learning centres established across the state’s 27 local government areas.
In addition , the ministry highlighted the Techosphere Freelance Platform, which has helped more than 1,000 graduates secure employment. Collaborations with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Digital SME Alliance have further created opportunities for internships, mentorship and international employment.
In the area of innovation, Imo Digital City Limited has supported startup incubation, accelerator programmes, hackathons and entrepreneurship development through a reported $15 million partnership involving the United States Market Access Centre (US-MAC) and the University of California, Berkeley.
The state has also pursued e-governance reforms through a single-window government portal, websites for 35 ministries, departments and agencies, the MyImoApp citizen services platform, and the digitization of land administration through the Imo State Land Information System (ISLIS).
Other initiatives include broadband expansion and digital identity programmes, which the ministry said had contributed to an increase of more than 60 per cent in National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment.
According to the statement, digital transformation efforts have also extended to education, justice, security, agriculture and public finance, alongside digital capacity-building programmes for civil servants.
It further noted that Nigeria’s first sub-national Artificial Intelligence Institute was being developed within Imo Digital City to strengthen innovation and advanced technology training.
Reacting to the recognition, the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, said the awards affirmed Governor Hope Uzodimma’s vision of building a digitally empowered and innovation-driven economy in Imo State.
Dr. Amadi commended NITDA and Cisco Networking Academy for acknowledging the state’s progress, noting that the recognition would encourage the government to expand digital literacy and skills development programmes.
CHIOMA AKUSHIE
HOC. FIC. OWERRI
22/10/2026.
