Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has inaugurated a Digital Economy Advisory Council to strengthen the state’s technology drive, while highlighting his administration’s achievements in the innovation sector.
Represented by the Commissioner for Political Affairs and Regional Integration, Biyi Odunlade, the governor outlined progress recorded since 2022 in the ICT sector.
He noted that Osun previously had no tech innovation policy but now has a fully developed and implemented Osun State Tech Innovation Policy.
He added that the administration commenced the fibre-optics broadband project, which is currently under review for sustainability.
Adeleke also said the state domesticated the National Start-up Act to support the growth of tech entrepreneurs and local innovation hubs, becoming the second state to adopt the law.
He further disclosed that Google mapping coverage in Osun has increased from below 50 percent to over 60 percent, and that the government is backing private sector-led digital hubs to promote statewide innovation and entrepreneurship.
Reaffirming his commitment to science and technology as tools for development, the governor stated that the creation of the Council is part of a long-term plan to build a strong digital economy.
Read Also: Osun Climbs To 6th In Climate Governance Ranking
Osun State Governor Reaffirms Education as Top Priority
The Council is expected to guide the state on policies, projects, and partnerships that will enhance innovation, digital skills, data governance, emerging technologies, and future-of-work strategies.
According to him, the goal is to make Osun a hub where young people can develop technology-driven careers and where startups and digital entrepreneurs can scale their businesses.
Adeleke urged members of the Council to serve with dedication, noting that their work involves shaping the state’s future competitiveness.
Public Private Collaboration
The Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Maruf Ayofe, highlighted several initiatives from the ministry, including digital skills training and free WiFi projects, adding that the government is breaking new ground long neglected in previous years.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Science, Technology and Innovation, Azeez Badmus, described the inauguration of the Council as a game changer, saying it marks a new level of public-private collaboration for developing Osun’s digital economy and tech innovation ecosystem.
He noted that stakeholders from both sectors now have a common platform to advance tech development in the state.
Members of the newly inaugurated 20-member Council include chairman Kola Aina, a venture capitalist; Blessing Ajimoti; Tomiwa Aladekomo of TechCabal; Kola Omole of Sales Google; Akinbiyi Akinoluyemi of Enterprise Soft; Jude Feranmi of The Founders Hub; Olumide Osewa of Broadband Globacom; Prof Abiodun Aibinu; Titi Akinsanmi; Oladele Tolulope Ayo of Amazon; Femi Longe of BTrust Builders; Olabintan Adebowale of WegoHostU LLC; Segun Solomon of Madros Technologies; Michael Fafiyebi of Innox Technologies; and Olanipekun Famoroti of Xtremetech.