“This Is the Innovation Pipeline Delivering Results,” Says Chilo-Offiah
Enugu State has recorded another milestone in its fast-rising innovation ecosystem as Linia Finance, a standout startup from the Enugu Campus Hackathon and Bootcamp rounds, emerged 3rd place nationally at the NITDA x Japan iHATCH Demo Day, winning $10,000 in equity-free funding.
Announcing the achievement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Economy and MSMEs and Director-General of the Enugu SME Center, Arinze Chilo-Offiah, described the victory as clear evidence of Enugu’s growing dominance in Nigeria’s tech scene.
“This is what happens when raw talent meets structure,” Chilo-Offiah said. “This is the Enugu innovation pipeline delivering results — from campus ideas to national recognition.”
The spotlight was also on the founders of Linia Finance — Bassey Asuquo, Blessing Nnamani, and Chinomso Ohakwe — whose performance earned widespread praise across the state’s tech ecosystem.
Chilo-Offiah noted that the success aligns with the vision of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, whose administration has been investing heavily in youth-focused digital innovation. “Under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, Enugu is not just participating in Nigeria’s tech future — we are shaping it,” he affirmed.
He said the win is a proud moment for the entire ecosystem, adding, “And this is only the beginning.”
