To commemorate his 100 days in Office, Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke unveiled State Digital Economy Policies and flagged off of the Osun State Broadband Fiber Optic project.
While unveiling the Policies and new development on Monday in Osogbo, Adeleke stated that the subject of the events were Tech Innovations, ICT, Digital Economy, Osun State Google Mapping, Start Up Bill and Broadband Fiber Optic.
“We are talking of a new age agenda; we are aligning with the global digital movement. This is the new reality of our existence. Technology rules our lives. After the Covid pandemic, technology assumes even more frontal roles. I am determined to place Osun state in the frontline position. Osun must be on a global digital map”, he stated.
In his statement, he said “My administration seeks to open up the field of global opportunities to our youth. Under the Imole Digital Agenda, our target is to resolve citizens’ challenges through tech applications. We will grow our economy, provide gainful employment for our youth, and transform Osun state into a tech hub for the South West region. Osun is ready to be a digitally driven state”.
“It is with these lofty ideals in mind that I am here to unveil several initiatives within the tech sector. Permit me to note that this is the first time Osun state will be having an ICT Policy”.
“The policy is designed to identify and apply information communication technology in various sectors of the state. Hence, the new policy has ICT in agriculture, education, health, environment, administration, infrastructure among others. This policy will change our state for the better”.
“I am also unveiling the Osun State Tech Innovation policy. Many talented tech innovators abound in our state. The policy seeks to create an enabling environment for tech innovations. Hence, we will support establishment of tech hubs and ensure innovators secure much needed backing”.
“As part of our digital economy drive, Osun is poised to be the first State to domesticate the Nigerian StartUps Act. This will be my first Executive Bill I will be forwarding to the State Assembly after this event. The Act is programmed to ensure that new start ups promoters and entrepreneurs secure desired mentoring and financing. The law once domesticated will enhance the goals of both the ICT and the Tech Innovation policy”.
“As e-commerce is at the heart of digital economy, my administration also launched the Osun Goggle Mapping 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 Goggle Mapping coverage was below 30 percent. I am happy to record that Osun Mapping coverage is today above 50 percent. When we are to launch Phase 2, I will host e-commerce giants in Nigeria alongside Google Corporation”.
“I am reviving and re-launching today the Osun State Broadband Fiber Optic Project. Today, we will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Oodua Infraco to commence immediate deployment of Fiber Optics across Osun state. The first phase is to cover 64 kilometers without the state putting in any fund”.
“In line with the new National Broadband policy and the urgency of internet Fiber connectivity for Osun state, this Government is waiving payment for Telecom Right of Way in return for free connectivity to our schools and health centres when the broadband project is completed”.
“I am inaugurating the First Digital Economy Advisory Board with 15 members. Their task is to support the state in our dream of transforming Osun into a digital economy state”.
However, he appreciated the team from the Ministry of Innovations, Science and Technology as well as specialists within the ICT Taskforce. He also directed them to work on the next phase which is the commencement of implementation of the policies and the initiatives.
