Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun State on Friday inaugurated a Digital Economy Advisory Council to strengthen the state’s ongoing tech-driven transformation.
Speaking at the inauguration in Osogbo, Adeleke—represented by the Commissioner for Political Affairs and Regional Integration, Dr. Biyi Odunlade—said the council was part of his administration’s long-term strategy to build a robust digital economy.
He said the council would guide the state on policies, projects and partnerships that would expand digital capacity.
“Your role will include advising the government on innovation, digital skills, data governance, emerging technologies and the future of work,” he said.
“We want Osun to be known as a place where ideas grow, innovations are encouraged, and technology-driven careers are built by young people. We want startups to thrive and digital entrepreneurs to find support and a clear pathway for scaling their businesses.”
Adeleke noted that Osun had domesticated the National Startup Act to enhance the development of tech entrepreneurs and local innovation hubs, adding that the state was the second in the country to do so.
He further said the administration had increased Google Maps coverage of Osun from below 50 per cent to over 60 per cent and was supporting private-sector-led development of digital hubs to deepen innovation statewide.
The governor urged members of the advisory council to serve with dedication and integrity, stressing that their work goes beyond offering advice and is central to shaping the future of the state.
A venture capitalist, Mr. Kola Aina, will serve as chairman of the 21-member council.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Maruf Ayofe, said the state had rolled out several tech initiatives, including digital-skills training and free Wi-Fi projects.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Science, Technology and Innovation, Azeez Badmus, described the inauguration as a game-changer, noting that it marks a new phase of public-private collaboration to drive digital growth and innovation across the state.
