Despite their efforts to ascend the digital innovation ladder, governors of Edo and Lagos states failed to feature in the prestigious Innovative Digital Governor of the Year trophy, which Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State eventually carted home.

At the 19th Titans of Tech Africa Awards, at the weekend, Imo was voted Most Innovative Digital State of the Year, beating Kogi and others, as Uzodimma won the Most Innovative Digital Governor of the Year.

Also, Imo Commissioner for Digital Economy and e-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, was honoured with a Merit Award, in recognition of his “excellent service, dedication and unparalleled contribution to the development of the Nigerian economy.”

The two honours for the Eastern Heartland are a product of SkillUpImo Project, which trains youths of Imo and other states on tech skills. Declaring the ceremony open, former Deputy Governor of Lagos, Femi Pedro, praised the organisers of the awards for their consistency over the years and transparency in the award process.

He urged youths to create jobs and become their bosses with available tech tools, which others created, citing Sweden, which uses drones for courier services.

The erudite banker noted that in recognising excellence, celebrating commitment and rewarding winners, the Titans of Tech Africa Awards” is contributing to efforts at building the nation’s telecommunications industry.”

Convener of the awards, Don Pedro Aganbi, in his address, noted the awards as a platform dedicated to recognising the achievements, successes and triumphs of key stakeholders across the entire digital technology spectrum and telling the stories. He insisted that awards are a great way to encourage good behaviour, inculcate competitive spirit and spur the industry to greater heights.