Skepticism toward political promises is not uncommon in Nigeria. Time and again, leaders have made lofty declarations that rarely translate into tangible outcomes. Like many Nigerians, I’ve learned to view such rhetoric with cautious optimism. But something remarkable is happening in Imo State that challenges this narrative.
During a recent visit to Owerri for the 4th Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Summit organized by the Nigerian Computer Society (NCS), I witnessed firsthand the unwavering commitment of Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, to transforming the state into a digital powerhouse. Unlike many politicians who merely talk about innovation, Uzodinma is taking visible, strategic action.
The governor’s presence at the summit was not just ceremonial. He articulated a clear, actionable vision for Imo State’s digital future. His goal is bold: to establish Imo as Nigeria’s leader in artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital innovation—and he is not waiting to make it happen.
At the heart of this ambitious agenda is the Imo Digital City, a groundbreaking initiative set to position the state as a major player in the global tech ecosystem. More than a government project, the Imo Digital City is rapidly becoming a reality, with infrastructure already underway. This ecosystem includes smart classrooms, innovation hubs, and high-tech co-working spaces, all designed to support innovation, tech education, and entrepreneurship.
One of the key differentiators of Uzodinma’s approach is his emphasis on partnerships. In March 2025, his administration signed a landmark agreement with the US Market Access Centre (US-MAC) to support the full development of the Imo Digital City. This strategic alliance is intended to replicate the success of Silicon Valley—fostering local tech talent, accelerating startup growth, and attracting international investment.
Beyond US-MAC, the administration is working with global tech giants such as Microsoft, Cisco, Zinox Technologies, Konga Group, and the European Union Digital SME Alliance. These collaborations are designed to bring training, infrastructure, and funding to fuel the state’s digital transformation.
Yet Governor Uzodinma’s vision isn’t limited to buildings and technology. Human capital development is a core component of his digital strategy. Through the Skill-Up Imo Programme, over 40,000 youths have already received digital training, with many gaining employment or launching their own businesses. The broader goal is to create over 300,000 jobs by tapping into the digital economy.
What sets Uzodinma apart is his focus on creating job creators, not just job seekers. “We don’t just want to create jobs; we want to create those who will create jobs,” he said at the NCS summit—reflecting a commitment to entrepreneurship as a driver of long-term economic growth.
In addition to training and partnerships, Uzodinma is also prioritizing digital infrastructure. His administration is rolling out fibre optic networks across all 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State, aiming to close the digital divide and ensure connectivity reaches even the most remote areas. Another key project is the soon-to-be-launched “My Imo App,” a digital platform designed to simplify access to government services. An automated Land Information System is also being implemented to promote transparency and efficiency in land management.
Importantly, these initiatives are not just visionary—they are actionable. The governor has assembled a capable and energetic team to ensure delivery. A central figure in this transformation is Dr. Chimezie Amadi, the Honourable Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government. His expertise and drive have been critical in fast-tracking key projects and aligning stakeholders behind the digital agenda.
In a country where tech initiatives are often reduced to buzzwords, Governor Uzodinma stands out for translating vision into execution. While many pay lip service to youth empowerment and innovation, he is laying the foundation for what could become Africa’s next Silicon Valley. If his administration sustains its current pace and focus, Imo won’t just be a beacon for the South-East—it could become Nigeria’s flagship hub for technology and digital enterprise.