Obi Cubana at Enugu Tech Festival 2025, Advocates for Stronger Tech and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
…Insists right government policy on tech can create more jobs and increase national productivity
Enugu, Nigeria – May 12, 2025 – Business magnate and Chairman of Cubana Group, Chief Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, delivered a powerful and thought-provoking address at the Enugu Tech Festival 2025.
Speaking as the Chairman of Hammer Games, Obi Cubana passionately advocated for a more robust technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Nigeria, with a specific emphasis on youth empowerment and innovation in the southeastern region.
In his keynote speech, Obi Cubana urged Nigerian youths to embrace technology as a tool for solving problems and unlocking economic opportunities. He emphasized that young people from the eastern part of the country already possess the raw potential and creativity needed to make meaningful contributions to the global tech landscape. However, he stressed the importance of continuous learning, adaptation, and skill development in order to remain relevant in an increasingly digital world.
“The world is evolving every day, and if you don’t evolve with it, you risk being left behind,” Obi Cubana stated. “The opportunities available to those who invest in tech knowledge today are limitless. It’s not just about app development—there are massive opportunities in healthtech, agritech, edutech, logistics, and even gaming. Technology is touching every aspect of life.”
To illustrate the dangers of stagnation in a rapidly changing world, Obi Cubana shared a personal story from his childhood with a family auto mechanic named Mr. Emma, who was well-known in the community for his expertise in repairing a specific vehicle model. As time went on, however, he recalled, newer car models were imported into Nigeria. While other mechanics adapted and learned to maintain modern vehicles, Mr. Emma continued to focus solely on Peugeots. Eventually, those cars disappeared from the streets, and Mr. Emma found himself without the knowledge or tools to remain competitive.
“He was a good man and a great mechanic, but because he didn’t evolve with the times, he got stuck in the past,” Cubana explained. “The world moved forward, but he didn’t, and that cost him everything.”
Using this anecdote, Obi Cubana encouraged Nigerian youths not to fall into the same trap. He advised them to continue upgrading their digital skills and to remain curious, flexible, and open to new ideas. According to him, innovation thrives in environments where people are committed to growth and where systems support experimentation and learning.
He also used the opportunity to highlight the work Hammer Games is doing in the gaming and digital entertainment sector. Obi Cubana said that the tech space in Nigeria is filled with untapped potential, and with the right mindset, young Nigerians can build globally competitive solutions from within their local communities.
He further called on policymakers, business leaders, and educators to collaborate in building an inclusive digital economy. He emphasized that meaningful investment in tech infrastructure, mentorship, and entrepreneurial training is essential to nurturing a generation of innovators who can transform Nigeria’s future.
“Tech is the new oil,” he added. “Unlike oil, it won’t run dry—its power lies in how we use it. We must equip our young people not just to consume technology, but to create it.”
The Enugu Tech Festival 2025 continued throughout the week, offering a platform for emerging tech talents, startups, and industry leaders to connect, learn, and collaborate. Obi Cubana’s message resonated deeply with attendees, leaving many inspired to take the next step in their personal and professional development journeys.
On his part, managing director of Hammer Games, Ugochukwu Aronu, stated that the gaming platform, Hammer Games, is dedicated to designing immersive gaming experiences built to reflect on the authentic Africa culture. He said, “We are a tech driven company determined to make a bold statement in the Nigerian and global gaming ecosystem. Our projects are also embedded with true and authentic African stories which make us unique and exceptional”
