In a bid to promote technology and for Osun to be vast in the digital world,Osun Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke today unveiled the Implementation of Technology Innovation, ICT and Digital Economy, as part of activities lined up to mark his first 100 days in office. The programme, put together by the Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology, was held at Adolak Event Hall, Osogbo.
At the well attended six- in- one programme which was graced by Stakeholders on State ICT, Science Technology, Innovation Policy, Domestication of Nigeria’s Start Ups Act, Validation Workshop on the State ICT, among others, the public and civil servants in the State, including the political functionaries were adequately represented.
While speaking, Governor Ademola Adeleke said he is determined to place Osun in the frontline position,adding that the State must be on a global digital map.
He stressed that Osun indigenes are top leaders of the Nigerian and African tech sectors, prominent tech entrepreneurs with billions of dollar capital base globally and thereby necessary to tap into their expertise to grow the State.
He spoke further, ” As a highly literate State, Osun is blessed with an intelligent youth population. My administration seeks to open up the field of global opportunities to our youth the Imole Digital Agenda.Our target is to resolve citizens challenges through tech applications. We will grow our economy, provide gainful employment for youth, and transform Osun into a tech hub for the South West region.
” Permit me to note that this is first time Osun will be having an ICT policy. The policy is designed to identify information communication technology in various sectors of the State. Hence, the new policy has ICT in Agriculture, Education, Health, Environment, Administration,and Infrastructure,among others.
” As part of our digital economy drive, Osun is poised to be the first to domesticate the Nigerian Startups Act. This will be my first Executive Bill I will be forwarding to the State Assembly. The Act is programmed to ensure that new startups promoters and entrepreneurs secure desired mentoring and financing.
” As e-commerce is at the heart of digital economy, my administration has also launched the Osun Google Maping project. This is to ensure that Osun businesses and landmarks are placed on Google maps to start with. When I took over in November 2022, Osun Google Mapping coverage was below 30 percent. I am happy to record that Osun Mapping coverage is today above 50 percent.
” I am reviving and re- launching today the Osun State Broadband Fiber Optic project whose first phase is to cover 64 kilometers without the State putting in any fund”,he concluded.
Governor Adeleke therefore appreciated the team from the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology as well as the specialists within the ICT Taskforce for the their efforts in making the programme a success.
In their separate goodwill messages, Mr Adewale Adigun, Mr Sammy Adigun, Chairman, Nigeria Society of Engineers congratulated the Governor on his 100 days in office, praying that God will see him through,while commending the Governor for taking bold steps to unveil the digital economy.
They further stated that the programme will lay a good foundation for the youth which will boost the GDP of the State.
They however advised the youths to make the best use of the opportunity by keying into it, promising that the Association of Engineers are ready to support them.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Coordinating Director, Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology, Mr Jimoh Adekilekun, appreciated the Governor for approving the programme.
He explained that the innovation will assist in moving the State forward in the area of technology.
Highlights of the event were: entertainment by the Osun Cultural Troup, Akinlade Cultural Troup, presentation of Osun Google Map phase 1 report to Governor, Inauguration of Osun State Technology Innovation and Digital Economy Advisory Board, Signing of the the first Executive Bill on Osun Startup Act to be presented to the State House of Assembly, Special presentation to the Governor by Ayegbaju International market traders.
Present at the programme were: Deputy Governor,
Prince Kola Adewusi, Head of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina, PDP State Chairman, Dr. Akindele Adekunle, Former PDP Chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi, Coordinating Directors, Executive Secretaries, General Managers, workers from across the State, among others.