... Commends Governor Uzodinma's Orashi Power Initiative
. Hon. Meekam Mgbenwelu
By Chukwudi Osuji
A stakeholder poll conducted by the Imo Skills and Technology Innovation Network (iSTAIN) has identified reliable electricity as the single most important requirement for positioning Imo State as Nigeria's leading hub for technology, digital innovation, and the knowledge economy.
The poll also acknowledged the significant progress made through the Imo State Government's Orashi Electricity Project, describing it as an important step towards strengthening the infrastructure required to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital economic growth. The network has encouraged the continued expansion of electricity infrastructure across the state to ensure that communities, businesses, educational institutions, and technology hubs can fully participate in the digital economy.
The findings emerged from a poll conducted across iSTAIN's diverse stakeholder network, comprising representatives from government, academia, industry, entrepreneurship, and the wider technology ecosystem.
Participants were asked to identify the single most critical requirement for accelerating technology development and digital transformation in Imo State.
The results showed:
Stable electricity supply – 50%
Provision of co-working and innovation spaces – 33%
Expanded digital skills training – 12%
Faster internet connectivity – 5%
The findings indicate that stakeholders regard dependable electricity as the essential foundation upon which investments in digital skills, innovation infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and connectivity can deliver their full impact.
Commenting on the findings, Hon. Meekam Mgbenwelu, Convener of iSTAIN and former Commissioner for Technology Development in Imo State, welcomed the state's ongoing investment in critical infrastructure.
Mgbenwelu said, "The message from our stakeholders is clear. Investments in digital skills, innovation hubs and modern co-working spaces are essential, but reliable electricity remains the primary enabler of a thriving digital economy. Without dependable power, technology infrastructure and human capital cannot achieve their full potential."
He commended the administration of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, for prioritising strategic infrastructure, particularly the Orashi Electricity Project.
"The Orashi Electricity Project represents an important milestone in strengthening electricity supply within the state. We commend His Excellency for this bold investment and respectfully encourage the continued expansion of the project so that communities across Imo State can equally benefit from reliable electricity. Expanding access to dependable power will create greater opportunities for technology innovation, digital entrepreneurship, remote work, investment, and employment."
The network also recognised the establishment of the Imo Digital City as another significant investment that complements the state's digital transformation agenda by providing an environment where innovation, collaboration, research, and technology-based enterprises can flourish.
According to iSTAIN, sustained investment in electricity, digital infrastructure, innovation spaces, and skills development will strengthen Imo State's competitiveness within Nigeria's rapidly expanding digital economy.
As a collaborative platform, iSTAIN brings together stakeholders from government, academia, industry, civil society, and the technology community to promote innovation, knowledge exchange, digital skills development, and strategic partnerships that support economic growth.
The network reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Imo State Government and other stakeholders to promote evidence-based policies and initiatives that strengthen the state's technology ecosystem. It also reiterated its commitment to advancing STEM education, supporting entrepreneurship, promoting gender inclusion, and ensuring that young people, women, and underrepresented groups are equipped to participate fully in the opportunities created by the digital economy.
