RIRS Chairman, Sir Israel Egbunefu Advocates Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development at Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026

RIRS Chairman, Sir Israel Egbunefu Advocates Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development at Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026

The Executive Chairman of the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS), Sir Israel O. Egbunefu, FCTI, has called for purposeful collaboration and strategic deployment of technology to drive sustainable development, urging stakeholders to embrace the philosophy of “Syntropy” as a pathway to enduring prosperity.

Delivering a keynote address titled, “Digital Transformation and Sustainable Development: Creating Enduring Value,” at the 3rd Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026, Sir Egbunefu described syntropy as the principle of order, purposeful growth and synergy that transforms innovation into lasting societal impact.

Addressing participants at the Expo, the RIRS boss noted that while emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, blockchain and cloud computing hold enormous potential, they must be guided by shared values and foresight to avoid creating disorder.

He emphasized that Port Harcourt is rapidly evolving into a hub for digital innovation and sustainable development, adding that the city has established itself as the Home of Tech and is consolidating its position as a smart economy.

Drawing from Rivers State’s experience, Sir Egbunefu highlighted the state’s success in digitizing revenue collection through e-collection systems, noting that the initiative has improved efficiency, enhanced transparency and strengthened public trust.

According to him, digital transformation goes beyond adopting new technologies. Rather, it involves reimagining governance, business and social systems to create inclusive and sustainable development.

The RIRS Executive Chairman further stressed that no institution can achieve sustainable prosperity in isolation. He called for stronger collaboration among government, the private sector, academia, innovators and citizens to build resilient systems capable of driving long-term impact.

He also underscored the importance of investing in human capital and cybersecurity, describing young people as the drivers of digital transformation and urging stakeholders to equip them with digital skills while strengthening trust in technology through robust security frameworks.

Projecting Rivers State as an emerging technology and investment destination, Sir Egbunefu declared that the state is transitioning from being Nigeria’s energy capital into a leading technology hub through deliberate policies, broadband expansion, fintech partnerships and innovation-driven initiatives.

Meanwhile, organisers described the Port Harcourt Tech Expo as more than a showcase of groundbreaking technologies.

The 2026 edition featured keynote speeches, startup pitch competitions, panel discussions, product showcases and high-level networking opportunities designed to spark collaboration, attract investment and accelerate innovation across the Niger Delta.

Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, the Managing Director of TechNexus Limited, Belema George, said the Expo is strategically focused on promoting technology-driven economic growth in Rivers State and the wider South-South region.

George explained that the theme, “Syntropy,” reflects the idea of constructive synergy — the belief that stronger collaboration among innovators, institutions and investors can accelerate development across the Niger Delta.

According to him, the Expo represents a deliberate effort to reshape narratives about the region and unlock opportunities for the next generation of innovators.

Beyond the support of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), several private sector stakeholders, including financial institutions, energy companies and telecommunications firms operating within the region, reportedly backed the initiative.

Describing the Expo as more than just a conference, George said it represents a movement aimed at transforming perceptions about the Niger Delta and creating pathways for innovation to thrive.

“The Port Harcourt Tech Expo is our declaration that the Niger Delta is open for innovation. We are building a platform where the most brilliant minds in our region can meet the resources, mentorship and market access they need to thrive. SYNTROPY is not just an event, it is the beginning of a movement,” he said.

The event also featured a keynote address by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Samuel Ogbuku, PhD, underscoring the Commission’s commitment to supporting technology, entrepreneurship and innovation as tools for regional development.

In his closing remarks, Sir Egbunefu urged leaders across sectors to reject entropy and embrace syntropy by building purposeful systems that promote order, value and generational impact.

“The future of Rivers State, Nigeria and Africa lies not in entropy but in syntropy,” he said. “By embracing digital transformation, fostering collaboration, investing in human capital and building resilient institutions, we can create a future where prosperity is sustainable, inclusive and enduring.”

He concluded by calling on stakeholders to commit to building systems that will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

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