By Abiodun Abdullai
Osun State has launched a Digital Economy Advisory Council as part of efforts to accelerate technology development and strengthen the state's emerging innovation ecosystem.
The Council, inaugurated on Friday, is expected to guide policies and partnerships that will support digital skills, broadband expansion, data governance, emerging technologies and future-of-work strategies across the state.
Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Ademola Adeleke — represented by the Commissioner for Political Affairs and Regional Integration, Biyi Odunlade — said the initiative is aligned with the administration's long-term plan to position Osun as a competitive digital economy hub.
He highlighted progress made since 2022, noting that the state now has an approved Tech Innovation Policy, a fibre-optics broadband project currently undergoing sustainability review, and a domesticated National Start-up Act to support tech entrepreneurs.
According to the governor, Osun's digital mapping coverage on Google has also improved from less than 50% to over 60%, while the state is partnering with private-sector operators to establish digital hubs aimed at supporting youth innovation and enterprise development.
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Adeleke noted that the Advisory Council will play a central role in shaping Osun's technological future by strengthening collaboration between government, industry players and innovation leaders.
Public–Private Collaboration Strengthened
The Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Maruf Ayofe, outlined ongoing initiatives including digital skills programmes and free public WiFi projects, describing them as steps toward rebuilding areas previously neglected.
Special Adviser on Science, Technology and Innovation, Azeez Badmus, described the Council as a "game changer," saying it provides a unified platform for government and industry stakeholders to accelerate tech-driven growth.
Council Membership
The newly inaugurated 20-member Council includes key figures from Nigeria's technology and innovation circles such as:
Kola Aina (Chairman), Blessing Ajimoti, Tomiwa Aladekomo (TechCabal), Kola Omole (Google), Akinbiyi Akinoluyemi (Enterprise Soft), Jude Feranmi (The Founders Hub), Olumide Osewa (Broadband Globacom), Prof. Abiodun Aibinu, Titi Akinsanmi, Oladele Tolulope Ayo (Amazon), Femi Longe (BTrust Builders), Olabintan Adebowale (WegoHostU LLC), Segun Solomon (Madros Technologies), Michael Fafiyebi (Innox Technologies), and Olanipekun Famoroti (Xtremetech).
The Council is expected to begin work immediately, with a mandate to support Osun's vision of becoming a tech-friendly state where digital entrepreneurs and young innovators can thrive.
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