Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has disclosed that his administration is working on sustainable funding for tech startups, promising support for upcoming tech businesses with grants and financial lifeline from the next fiscal year.
Governor Adeleke made this known on Thursday while reviewing the development of the tech sector in Osun State and declaring his administration’s achievements as extraordinary and unprecedented. He spoke while addressing young tech professionals at the maiden edition of Osun Tech Festival held in Osogbo.
According to the governor, his administration has taken Osun from what he described as an analogue state to a tech oriented subnational entity.
“When we came on board, Osun was like an analogue establishment. There was no tech policy nor tech development structures. We found nothing in the area of the digital economy. Worst still, fibre optics development was not on the table,” he said.
“From November 2022 when we assumed office, we made a firm decision. Technology would not be an accessory to governance; It would be the foundation.”
He explained that the government started by focusing on infrastructure, noting that connectivity is key to building a strong digital ecosystem.
“At the dawn of this administration, we recognized that a sustainable digital ecosystem begins with infrastructure. Without connectivity, there is no innovation. Without access, there is no inclusion.”
Governor Adeleke said the state developed new policies and legislations to support growth in the sector. “Osun now has a state ICT policy, a tech innovation policy alongside domestication of the Nigeria Start Up Act. We now have a Governor’s Advisory Council on ICT and Digital Economy.”
He added that the operating environment was reviewed to allow infrastructure providers expand services to underserved communities. “We removed barriers and created an enabling space for digital growth.”
On digital governance, the governor said the aim was to bring governance closer to the people and improve ease of doing business.
“Through Certificate of Occupancy in 45 Days, land documentation is now faster and more predictable. The Osun Investment Portal provides a unified gateway for investors. Certificate of Occupancy verification has been digitized. The Automatic Payroll System strengthens transparency across state and local governments. State of Origin Certification is now digitised and streamlined.”
Speaking on public safety, he said the Emergency Call Center has been reactivated. “Through the toll-free number 293, citizens can now access emergency services at no cost. Under the Osun Safe City Initiative, we are advancing CCTV deployment in strategic locations.”
He also mentioned the Osun Smart Resident ID and Imole WiFi projects. “We are also implementing the Osun Smart Resident ID, to strengthen planning, service delivery, and security coordination. Through Imole WiFi, we are expanding public internet access across communities.”
In the area of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies, the governor said the state is building a framework for AI and blockchain deployment. “Presently, we have the State Digital Protection Act and the proposed State AI Act before the House of Assembly. The framework will enable secure digital certificates, trusted government receipts, and autonomous digital services through a newly designed state website.”
Governor Adeleke said the administration is investing in talent development alongside infrastructure. He announced the launch of AlphaStart Hub, described as the first state-owned founders’ hub.
“Within the next year, three hubs will be established across the senatorial districts, with headquarters at the emerging Osun Digital City. This is how we nurture innovation and create technology-driven jobs.”
On education, he introduced Imole EduPod. “In education, we are introducing Imole EduPod — a solar-powered, containerized mini hub with an offline CBT center, connected through Imole WiFi. This expands digital learning access while supporting sustainable energy use.”
“These achievements reflect a deliberate strategy. We are deploying technology for Infrastructure, governance reform, public safety, talent development, public health and digital education,” the governor told the enthusiastic professionals.
Assuring tech professionals and partners of continuous support, Governor Adeleke said his government is working on a system of sustainable funding for startups within the sector.
“From the next fiscal year, we will be supporting upcoming tech businesses with grants and financial lifeline,” he stated.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon Maruf Ayofe, hailed the tech progress under Governor Adeleke. He said the administration has provided the required policy framework, legal structures and enabling environment for the tech sector to grow.
“We are taking the good work of Mr Governor by interfacing and supporting tech professionals in the realisation of their tech plans and innovations,” the Commissioner submitted.
