…receives winner of Best AI Short Film, Ndiokwelu

By Chinedu Adonu

The Enugu State Government on Tuesday reiterated its commitment to supporting tech-innovative youths, as it received Engr. Nzube Ndiokwelu, winner of the Best AI Short Film Award.

Ndiokwelu, Founder of Beaconsmith Collective, won the prestigious award at the Naija AI Film Festival held at the Mike Adenuga Center, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Saturday.

Congratulating Ndiokwelu and his team in Enugu, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Lawrence Eze, described the victory as “a win for Enugu State and a win for the entire Enugu tech-innovation ecosystem.”

Eze noted that the state had been encouraging its youths to stay focused, energetic, and creative, stressing that “the sky remains their limit.” He added that Ndiokwelu’s success proves Enugu is positioning itself as a hub for digital transformation in the 21st century.

“Enugu is leading and topping in every ramification of innovation and the tech ecosystem in West Africa, not just Nigeria. What we are doing is to show the world that we are the sub-national to beat anytime, any day,” he said.

Eze emphasized that digital transformation does not require relocation, pointing out that with internet connectivity and accessible devices available in Enugu, youths can thrive while staying close to family and support systems.

He commended Ndiokwelu for staying in Enugu with his team and excelling at a national event in Lagos that attracted innovators and competitors from across Nigeria and beyond.

In his remarks, Ndiokwelu, a Citrea Nigeria Ambassador and technologist, applauded Governor Peter Mbah and Dr. Eze for their vision in investing in and building collaborations to strengthen the state’s tech ecosystem.

He described the award as a testament to the creativity and talent in Enugu State, affirming that young innovators can achieve great feats without leaving the state.

“We are taking it a step further as leaders to train people in all emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, cryptocurrency, biotech, robotics, and technology-enabled arts, while upgrading our systems to meet global standards,” he added.