ACOVITEMN Holds Strategic Engagement with Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum

The Association of Computer Village Technology Merchants of Nigeria (ACOVITEMN), the umbrella body representing technology traders and innovators across Nigeria’s major markets, has successfully concluded a high-level strategic engagement with the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF). Governor Hope Uzodimma.

The meeting, held at the Imo State Governor’s Office, was aimed at forging a sustainable partnership to transform Nigeria’s technology-trade landscape and accelerate the nation’s digital economy.

Objectives of the Engagement

ACOVITEMN outlined key objectives for collaboration with state governments and the federal government:

1. Attract increased revenue for the government through technology-driven initiatives.

2. Create jobs for Nigerians, particularly youth and women.

3. Promote the adoption and utilisation of locally developed technology products and services.

4. Establish exclusive ICT hubs, training centres, and technology-development facilities across Nigeria to provide skills training and certification for talented young Nigerians.

As part of its broader strategy, ACOVITEMN recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology to collaborate on research and development in ICT, innovation promotion, economic growth, and wealth creation.

Key Discussion Points

• National Tech Market Modernisation: ACOVITEMN presented a blueprint to upgrade technology markets in all Progressive Governors’ Forum states, focusing on broadband access, power reliability, and enhanced security.

• Youth Empowerment & Job Creation: Both parties explored joint programs for digital skills training—including coding, hardware repair, and entrepreneurship to expand employment opportunities for young Nigerians.

ACOVITEMN President, Prince Tony Nwakeze, described the engagement as “a milestone for Nigeria’s technology merchants and a bold step toward positioning our markets as hubs of innovation and national development.”

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, host of the meeting and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, commended ACOVITEMN’s initiative. He highlighted that Imo State has already built a digital city and trained about 40,000 youths in various skills, expressing readiness to partner with the association to further advance technological innovation.    👇👇👇👇

Prince Tony Nwakeze, President of the Association of Computer Village Technology Merchants of Nigeria (ACOVITEMN), Speech during the Stakeholders’ engagement held on Monday, 22 September 2025, at Market Square, Otigba Street, Ikeja, when Lagos Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development visited them regarding relocation.