By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

In his determination to ensure digitalisation of economy of Osun State in line with global practices, the State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke has inaugurated the First Digital Economy Advisory Board in the state.

The 15 Board members were saddled with the responsibility of supporting the state in realisation of its dream of transforming Osun into a digital economy state.

Adeleke stated these while unveiling the state digital economy policies and flag off of the State Broad Band fiber optic held at Adolack Event Centre in Osogbo.

He said the Tech Innovations, ICT, Digital Economy, Osun State Google Mapping, Start Up Bill and Broadband Fiber Optic will enhance Internally Generated Revenue.

His words “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.

” Permit me to inform you all that Osun indigenes are top leaders of the Nigerian and African tech sector. They are prominent tech entrepreneurs with billions of dollar capital base globally. We must tap into their expertise to grow our state.”

According the Governor, Osun is blessed with an intelligent youth population.

He disclosed that Osun state will be having an ICT Policy and the policy is designed to identify and apply information communication technology in various sectors of the state.

The new policy, he said has ICT in agriculture, education, health, environment, administration, infrastructure among others. This policy will change our state for the better.

Adekeke hinted that through digital economy drive, Osun is poised to be the first State to domesticate the Nigerian StartUps Act.

This, he said will be his first Executive Bill and that he will be forwarding to the State Assembly after this event.

While saying that the initiatives cannot see the light of the day without internet connectivity disclosed that his adminstration is determine to change the narrative .

” I am determined to change the narrative. To that end, I am reviving and re-launching the Osun State Broadband Fiber Optic Project. 

“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 will be flagging off this Broadband Fiber Optic project in front of the State Assembly immediately after this event.

 “We are also harnessing the many talents Osun has in the tech sector. We are putting selected Osun tech leaders all over the world into an advisory board. 

“Today, I am inaugurating the First Digital Economy Advisory Board with 15 members. 

“I commend my team for their wonderful performance on these landmark initiatives. I appreciate the team from the Ministry of Innovations, Science and Technology as well as specialists within the ICT Taskforce. You are consequently directed to work on the next phase which is the commencement of implementation of the policies and the initiatives,he stated