Hon. Maruff Ayofe, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science, Technology, and Digital Economy in Osun State, has emphasized that the recently approved Science, Technology & Innovation Policy, along with the Information, Communication, Technology, and Digital Economy Policy, will elevate Osun’s profile significantly.
He urged stakeholders from various sectors to join forces with the state government, highlighting that while the government is making substantial strides in advancing the tech industry, collaboration is essential for success.
Ayofe made these remarks during the Osun ICT Stakeholders Engagement event hosted by The Founder’s Hub (TFH) on Thursday, where discussions centered on fostering ecosystem development in the state.
He proudly announced that the Ministry of Innovation has successfully secured approval for the State’s STI, ICT, and DE policy from the Executive Council, which he believes will shine a spotlight on Osun.
In his own words, “To reach this point in Osun State, we’ve put in a lot of effort. My team has worked diligently to achieve our current status. I appreciate the support from my colleagues and directors. It’s truly exciting.
“We’ve just received approval for our STI, ICT, and DE policy from the executive council, which is a remarkable achievement. I am confident this will bring Osun into the spotlight. We are making significant progress. Our focus is on getting the STI approved.
“Next, we will be addressing startups, with an event planned in the coming month or two. Once we complete that, I am certain Osun will be at the forefront of technology.
“We invite all of you to collaborate with us in developing Osun State—not just for our benefit, but for the state as a whole. I believe Osun will continue to rise. Thank you very much,” he concluded.
Regarding the government’s immediate actions and strategies for smooth policy implementation, Hon. Ayofe reiterated that Governor Ademola Adeleke is committed to transparency and is eager to keep the citizens informed about his initiatives.
He expressed, “I want to highlight that in Osun State, we have a remarkable leader, Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is incredibly hospitable. He genuinely cares for the people and aims to keep them informed about the economic landscape and available resources. He shares your aspirations for change and is committed to doing everything possible to enhance our community.
“There are clear visions and reports in place. By adhering to these policies, we can uplift Osun State. We understand that collaboration is essential for Osun to realize its full potential. With the new policy being implemented, we anticipate significant advancements in technology.
“In the coming months, we will host our general tech conference. This event will provide the entire state, especially our youth, with opportunities for training and a deeper understanding of technology. We envision a future where Osun State stands shoulder to shoulder with cities like New York or Seattle. It’s a long road ahead.
“Embracing technology is crucial. In today’s world, no business can thrive without it. The pace of innovation is relentless. In those advanced cities, everything operates through technology. However, I believe that here, we need to intensify our efforts to reach that level. We must maintain our optimism to drive change. I am confident that Osun is heading in the right direction, and this policy is a significant step forward.
“As I mentioned, the startup act is on the horizon. We are currently undergoing a judicial review. Once the legislature passes the bill, entrepreneurs from any state in Nigeria will have the opportunity to launch startups in Osun. After that, we will establish a solid policy framework.
“In a conversation with our reporter, Mr. Jude Feranmi, the event’s facilitator, shared the purpose behind the engagement with the commissioner.
He emphasized that establishing a technology cluster involves numerous interactions and collaborations. ICT stakeholders envision Osun State evolving into its own innovation and technology hub, supported by robust foundations in various sectors—capital, policy, and talent.
“Building a technology cluster necessitates a multitude of interactions and engagements. Our goal for Osun State is to transform it into a self-sustaining innovation and technology cluster, with solid tech foundations in key areas—capital, policy, and talent.
“The Honourable Commissioner serves as the political authority overseeing this initiative in Osun State. This meeting convened several stakeholders, allowing them to engage directly with the Honourable Commissioner.
“We spent two hours and twenty minutes in what I believe was a fruitful and thorough discussion. I’m delighted to report that the state’s STI, ICT, and economic policies have received approval from the State Council. The Commissioner committed to maintaining this dialogue, publishing the state policies, and advancing the startup act for Osun State to ensure it reaches the House for approval, ultimately benefiting the state. Overall, it was a constructive conversation,” he remarked.
Mr. Lukman Adeoti, the 3MTT Community Manager in Osun State, expressed gratitude to the organizers, highlighting that this event was highly anticipated.
“This afternoon, we discovered that the ministry is fully supportive of our efforts and that we can always raise any concerns, as there is an open line of communication.
“The startup bill we drafted last year is still pending, but we expect it to be addressed and passed by the House in the coming weeks. The Commissioner also touched on various policies that both the federal and state governments are working to implement.
“It was an engaging and interactive session this afternoon, and I look forward to more such opportunities. I want to thank the organizers for hosting this event in such a peaceful and calm environment.”
