Adeleke inaugurates Osun tech advisory council

Osun State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Thursday, inaugurated the Advisory Council for Technology, Innovation, and Digital Economy. He expressed optimism that the council’s recommendations will help shape digital policies, guide investments, and strengthen the state’s innovation ecosystem.

The governor emphasised that the council is a key part of his administration’s vision to use technology as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and the expansion of new opportunities for the people of Osun 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”.

“I also encourage you to work closely with ministries, institutions, youth organisations and the private sector. Technology thrives on collaboration as no single agency can do it alone.”

“Together, we can create an ecosystem that supports learning, creativity and enterprise. To the members of this Council, the oath you will take shortly is a reminder of the trust placed in you. It calls for professionalism, loyalty and a commitment to the progress of our State. As Governor, I assure you of the full support of this administration. We will provide the environment, resources and cooperation needed for you to succeed.”

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 Startup 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 so domesticate the law. Our government increased Google mapping coverage of Osun from below 50 percent then to over 60 percent. Our goggle mapping volunteers did a marvellous job and they are still in the field.”

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 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 reposed in them.

He charged them to use their digital knowledge to add more values to the state and at the same time, promote it, technologically.

Also speaking, a member of the advisory council, Segun Solomon, said one of the core of the Programme is to promote the digital economy and technology.

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