Imo State Government beats Delta, Kebbi and Oyo states to clinch the prestigious ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) Compliant State of the Year’ at the Titans of Tech Awards (TOTA) 2025, held in Lagos.

The Commissioner for Digital Economy and e-Government, Dr Chimezie Amadi, who received the award on behalf of Gov. Hope Uzodimma, said the recognition would spur the state government to do more in tech for the development of the state and its citizens.

The award, according to the organisers, was in recognition of the state’s strategic adoption of artificial intelligence and commitment to digital innovation in governance.

After receiving the award, Dr Amadi told The Guardian that the state was delighted to appear on the winners’ list of TOTA almost at every edition.

He said: “We feel very delighted because this is the most contemporary award in the tech world today. As the world drives towards digital transformation, AI has disrupted and redefined a whole lot of things. So, being recognised by such a reputable organisation as TechTV is something that speaks volumes about the kind of investment Governor Hope Uzodimma has made in generating a significant impact across different sectors, leveraging AI. So, it feels special to have won this award as Nigeria embraces AI. Imo, being recognised as a leader in that journey speaks volumes about what His Excellency is doing with technology.

“The award is both reinforcement and endorsement of what we have been doing. We are bullish on pushing for tech and adopting tech transformation in the state. This award has emboldened us to continue on that stride, and not to stop there, but to be more innovative in exploring the use of tech to drive efficiency in Imo and create social values that every Imo citizen will be happy coming from a state ruled by tech.”

The event, organised by Technology Africa and TechTV, at Oriental Hotels, Lekki, with Ayodele Arise bagging the Lifetime Achievement Award, attracted the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Wale Omole; Senators Dayo Adeyeye and Iyiola Omisore as well as other personalities.

“His contributions to card technology, e-commerce infrastructure, data identity systems and tech policy are not only legendary but transformative,” President of TechTV Nigeria and convener of the event, Don-Pedro Aganbi, said.