Follow Us on Google
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke on Thursday inaugurated the Advisory Council for Technology, Innovation and Digital Economy, with optimism that, the council members recommendations, will shape digital policies, guide investments and strengthen state’s innovation ecosystem.
He said the Council is central to his administration vision of using technology to drive economic growth, create jobs, and open new opportunities for people of the state.
Speaking at the inauguration and Oath of allegiance taking for members of the Council held at the Exco Lounge, at the state Secretariat,Abere, the governor remarked that,”Our administration has introduced the State ICT policy now under implementation.
Adeleke, who was represented by Dr. Biyi Odunlade, the Commissioner for Political Affairs and Inter-Governmental, however maintained that, “This Council is therefore coming at the right time and we believe your expertise will help us translate these foundations into sustainable systems and measurable impact. Your recommendations will shape digital policies, guide investments, and strengthen our innovation ecosystem.”
” I urge all members to serve with dedication and integrity as this work goes beyond advisory functions but more about shaping the future of Osun. The decisions we take today will determine the competitiveness of our State in the next decade”.
As of 2022, Osun has no Tech innovation policy.”Our government has developed and delivered the Osun State Tech Innovation Policy also under implementation. We started the fibre optics broadband project, which is presently under review for sustainability. ”
“Osun domesticated the National Start up Act to enhance development and empowerment of Tech entrepreneurs and local tech hubs for thriving innovations and collective prosperity. Osun was the second state to domesticate the law. Our government increased goggle mapping coverage of Osun from below 50 per cent, then to over 60 per cent. Our goggle mapping volunteers did a marvelous job, and they are still in the field.”
Other News
According to him,”The creation of this Council is part of our long-term strategy to build a strong digital economy and this team of experts will guide the State on policies, projects and partnerships that will deepen our digital capacity. Your role will include advising the government on innovation, digital skills, data governance, emerging technologies, and the future of work.”
“In the last two years, we have laid important foundations like the launching of the Osun Tech Innovation and Digital Skills Programme, training of thousands of youths in software development, e-commerce and online marketing. We have also upgraded ICT infrastructure across schools and agencies and expanded partnerships with private sector players and development agencies. All these steps prepare us for the next phase of growth.”
It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this important occasion. Today marks another step in our commitment to building a modern and forward-looking Osun State, he stressed.
In his own remark, HON. Maruf Dele Ayofe, Commissioner For Innovation, Science, Technology and Digital Economy,, said the inuguration reflects our resolve to unlock the full potential of digital transformation in every sector which includes agriculture, education, healthcare, enterprise, civic engagement and public service delivery.
In his own submission,The Special Adviser on Innovation, Science, Technology and Digital Economy,, ,, Hon. Azeez Badmus charged members of the council to be dutiful and dedicated to justice the confidence repose on them.
He charged them to use their digital knowledge to add more values to the state and, at the same time, promote it technologically.
According to him,” there are 15 board members to shape of future of the state digitally. We are also trying to involve people from the private sector with people in governance.
Also speaking, a member of the advisory council, Segun Solomon, said one of the core of the Programme is to promote digital economy and technology.
“Osun is one of the second states in the federation that is leading in digital technology. Osun has passed the domesticated national third reading in the house of assembly and very well ready and position to drive innovation and digital growth in Nigeria. “
