• Soun unveils 25-year vision as stakeholders discuss strategies for digital economic growth
From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Laoye, Oyo State, has outlined a 25-year vision to position the city as a leading hub for digital economic transformation. Speaking at the Ogbomoso Digital Economy Summit, themed “Financing and Deploying Resources for Digital Transformation,” the monarch emphasised the city’s potential for global relevance in the digital space.
The summit, held at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for digital transformation. Oba Laoye revealed the need to integrate technology into various sectors, including sports, to enhance Ogbomoso’s economic growth.
He reaffirmed commitment to transforming Ogbomoso into “Africa’s Silicon Valley.” He announced a structured 25-year development plan aimed at: empowering industries, generating employment, improving residents’ quality of life, unlocking the city’s potential in agriculture, education, infrastructure, health, tourism and commerce.
He also revealed plans for the Ogbomoso International Economy Summit in April 2025, designed to attract investors and showcase the city’s economic potential. Mr. Iyin Aboyeji, founding partner, Future Africa, stressed the need for a strong start-up ecosystem and angel investment. He advised government to focus on policy and infrastructure rather than direct business funding, highlighting the importance of creating local business success stories to inspire more entrepreneurs.
Dr. Adeyemi Aderinto, another panellist, emphasised talent as a natural resource: “Less-developed cities like Ogbomoso are the next frontier for economic growth. Major cities like Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt become saturated, emerging cities must seize the opportunity to attract businesses and talent.”
With a population of 1.2 million, Aboyeji expressed confidence that Ogbomoso could achieve its goal of becoming a leading economic city within the next decade, “provided it focuses on demographic potential over geographical limitations.”
The summit brought together traditional rulers, government officials, tech entrepreneurs and academics, all united in the vision of making Ogbomoso a global economic force.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, emphasised importance of collaboration between traditional rulers and the government: “Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has installed 10 kings and 40 Baales since 2019, showcasing its deep involvement in chieftaincy affairs.”
He urged traditional rulers to actively engage with the government to accelerate development in their communities: “A paradigm shift is necessary for achieving the bigger picture.” He called on Oba Laoye to strengthen his ties with the state government for Ogbomoso’s sustainable progress.