Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun, on Friday, inaugurated a Digital Economy Advisory Council to strengthen the tech revolution in the state.

Mr Adeleke, during the inauguration in Osogbo, said that the inauguration of the council was part of his administration’s long‑term strategy to build a strong digital economy.

The governor, represented by the commissioner for political affairs and regional integration, Biyi Odunlade, said that members of the council would guide the state on policies, projects and partnerships that would deepen the government’s digital capacity.

“Your role will include advising the government on innovation, digital skills, data governance, emerging technologies and the future of work.

“We want Osun to be known as a place where ideas grow, innovations are encouraged and technology‑driven careers are driven by young people.

“We want startups to thrive and digital entrepreneurs to find support and a clear pathway for scaling their businesses,” he said.

Mr Adeleke said that the state had domesticated the National Startup Act to enhance the development and empowerment of tech entrepreneurs and local tech hubs, fostering thriving innovations and collective prosperity in the state.

“Osun was the second state to domesticate the law.

“Our government increased Google Maps coverage of Osun from below 50 per cent to over 60 per cent.

“We are supporting private‑sector‑led development of digital hubs to deepen statewide innovations and digital entrepreneurship,” he said.

The governor, however, urged members of the council to serve with dedication and integrity, noting that the work goes beyond advisory functions; it is more about shaping the future of the state.

Mr Adeleke said that a venture capitalist, Kola Aina, is to serve as chairman of the council, along with 20 other members.

In his remarks, the commissioner for science, technology and innovation, Maruf Ayofe, said that the state government had embarked on several tech initiatives, such as digital‑skills training and free Wi‑Fi projects, among others.

The special adviser to the governor on science, technology and innovation, Azeez Badmus, described the inauguration of the council as a game‑changer.

Mr Badmus said that the event marks a new level of public‑private sector partnership for the development of the digital economy and tech innovations in the state.

(NAN)