Imo Digital City raising Nigeria’s next Mark Zuckerberg, says APC’s Arodiogbu

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

National Vice Chairman (South East) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, has hailed the Imo Digital City as a game-changing technology hub, saying Governor Hope Uzodinma’s strategic investment in digital innovation and youth development is nurturing a new generation of globally competitive tech entrepreneurs, including “the next Mark Zuckerberg.”

He said the initiative is positioning Imo State as a leading centre for digital transformation, innovation and technology-driven economic growth in Nigeria.

Speaking on the impact of the landmark project, Dr. Arodiogbu described the Imo Digital City as one of Nigeria’s foremost technology and innovation hubs, strategically designed to equip young Nigerians with the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving global digital economy.

According to him, Governor Uzodinma’s deliberate investment in technology, innovation and digital education is creating opportunities for thousands of young people while positioning Imo State as a major destination for technological advancement in Africa.

He revealed that through the SkillUp Imo programme, more than 75,000 youths have already received training in software engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics and several other emerging digital technologies.

Dr. Arodiogbu said the initiative has significantly expanded opportunities for young people by preparing them for careers in the international technology ecosystem, where digital skills are increasingly becoming one of the world’s most valuable assets.

Beyond human capital development, he noted that the Imo Digital City also houses a digital device assembly plant capable of assembling up to 1,000 smartphones daily, making it one of the few technology-driven industrial facilities of its kind in Nigeria.

He explained that the centre equally features modern innovation laboratories where startups are developing practical technological solutions for sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, security and other critical areas of the economy.

Describing the initiative as a bold step towards economic transformation, the APC National Vice Chairman said Governor Uzodinma’s vision extends beyond constructing roads and public infrastructure to building a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation and entrepreneurship.

“Governor Hope Uzodinma is not only constructing physical infrastructure; he is building human capital. By investing massively in technology, digital education and innovation, he is creating an environment where the next Mark Zuckerberg and other globally competitive technology entrepreneurs can emerge from Imo State,” Arodiogbu said.

He further described Imo State as a model that other states across the federation should emulate, stressing that sustained investment in digital technology remains one of the surest pathways to economic diversification, job creation and national development.

According to him, the achievements recorded by the Imo Digital City demonstrate what visionary leadership can accomplish when government prioritises innovation, enterprise development and youth empowerment.

Arodiogbu also commended Governor Uzodinma’s leadership as Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), saying the governor has consistently championed policies that encourage entrepreneurship, attract investment and create sustainable employment opportunities for young Nigerians.

He urged state governments across the country to replicate the Imo Digital City model by investing more in technology, innovation hubs and digital skills acquisition programmes, noting that such initiatives are essential for preparing Nigeria’s workforce for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The APC chieftain expressed confidence that the Imo Digital City would continue to produce globally competitive innovators, software developers, technology entrepreneurs and digital professionals, thereby strengthening Imo State’s position as one of Africa’s emerging technology destinations while contributing significantly to Nigeria’s digital economy.