The Governor of Osun State, Gov. Ademola Adeleke has signed the Executive Bill on the Nigeria Startup Act, as part of efforts towards domesticating the Act in the state.
The governor, who signed the Executive bill on the Startup Act during the implementation of the Technology Innovation, ICT, and Digital Economy Agenda, in celebration of his 100 days in office on Monday in Osogbo said that the order will be forwarded to the State House of Assembly for onward review and passage.
Adeleke stated this will make the state the first to domesticate the Act in the country.
Adeleke said that the law was programmed to ensure that new start-up promoters and entrepreneurs secure desired mentoring and financing.
“The law once domesticated will enhance the goals of both the ICT and the Tech Innovation policy.
“Under the Imole Digital Agenda, our target is to resolve citizens’ challenges through tech applications.
“We will grow our economy, provide gainful employment for our youths, and transform Osun state into a tech hub for the South West region,” he said.
The Startup Act, which is a joint initiative by Nigeria’s Tech Startup Ecosystem and the Presidency to harness the potential of the digital economy through co-created regulations, was signed by President Muhammadu Buhari, on Oct. 1, 2022
Adeleke earlier unveiled the Osun ICT Policy, Google mapping, and Broadband Fiber Optic Project
Adeleke said the ICT policy was designed to identify and apply information communication technology in various sectors of the state.
He said the new policy had ICT in agriculture, education, health, environment, administration, and infrastructure, among others.
The governor also said the Google mapping project would ensure that businesses and landmarks were placed on Google maps for e-commerce.
“I am determined to change the narrative. To that end, I am reviving and re-launching the Osun State Broadband Fiber Optic Project.
“Today, we will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Oodua Infraco to commence immediate deployment of Fiber Optics across the state.
“The first phase is to cover 64 kilometers without the state putting in any funds. This policy will change our state for the better. Osun indigenes are top leaders in the Nigerian and African tech sectors.
“They are prominent tech entrepreneurs with billions of dollar in capital base globally. We must tap into their expertise to grow our state,’’ he said.
