- Unveils Digital Transformation Milestones, Pledges Startup Funding in Osun
By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has outlined sweeping reforms and initiatives designed to position the state as a leading hub in Nigeria’s digital economy.
He said digitalization is a driving for economy development of any nation as such must be embraced by all facets of life.
Speaking at the maiden Osun Tech Festival held on Thursday, the governor said his administration, which assumed office in November 2022, made a strategic decision to place technology at the centre of governance and development.
Adeleke noted that the state inherited an essentially analogue system with limited digital infrastructure and no structured policies for tech development. Fibre-optic expansion and a digital economy framework were virtually absent.
In response, the government introduced a State ICT Policy, a Technology Innovation Policy, and domesticated the Nigeria Startup Act. A Governor’s Advisory Council on ICT and Digital Economy was also established to guide implementation and foster innovation.
The governor said reforms in digital governance have significantly improved service delivery, highlighting key initiatives such as:45-day Certificate of Occupancy processing, Digitised land verification processes, Osun Investment Portal for investors, Automated payroll system for transparency in state and local governments, and Digitisation of State of Origin certification,
“These reforms reduce bureaucratic delays, strengthen accountability, and boost investor confidence,” Adeleke said.
On public safety and digital access, the governor highlighted:
Reactivation of the Emergency Call Centre with toll-free line 293
Deployment of CCTV cameras under the Osun Safe City Initiative
Introduction of the Osun Smart Resident ID for improved planning and security coordination and expansion of Imole WiFi, providing public internet access across communities.
He further revealed that the state is developing frameworks for Artificial Intelligence and blockchain deployment, including the State Digital Protection Act and a proposed AI Act before the House of Assembly, aimed at enabling secure digital transactions and autonomous public services.
Investing in Talent and Education
Adeleke announced the launch of AlphaStart Hub, the state’s first government-owned founders’ hub, with plans to establish three additional hubs across senatorial districts as part of the emerging Osun Digital City.
He also unveiled Imole EduPod, a solar-powered, containerized digital learning hub with an offline CBT center connected through Imole WiFi, designed to expand access to technology-enabled education while supporting sustainable energy use.
The governor further disclosed that the administration is working on sustainable funding for startups, pledging grants and financial support to emerging tech businesses from the next fiscal year.
“Osun State is not merely adapting to the future; we are shaping it,” Adeleke said, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to building a technology-driven, transparent, and inclusive government.
The Commissioner for Innovation, Science, Technology and Digital Economy, Maruf Dele Ayofe, described the festival as a celebration of creativity and innovation.
Ayofe emphasised that global solutions can emerge from local communities when the right policies and support structures are in place. He also hinted at the forthcoming Osun Tech Talent Programme, aimed at equipping young innovators with high-demand digital skills, mentorship, and growth opportunities.
“The festival serves as a platform for collaboration and forward-looking ideas, positioning Osun as a key player in the global digital economy while driving job creation and economic growth,” Ayofe said.
Adviser Highlights Strategic Focus
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation, Science and Technology, Azeez Badmus, stressed that technology is no longer optional for development.
He said broadband expansion has moved beyond major towns, key public services have been automated, land administration processes streamlined,
investment platforms digitized, payroll systems automated, and certifications processed electronically.
“These reforms reduce delays, improve transparency, and strengthen ease of doing business. We are also investing in our youth. Digital skills development and structured startup support are creating new economic pathways.
The Governor believes Osun’s young people must be equipped to compete globally while building solutions locally,” Badmus said.
