Governor Ademola Adeleke on Tuesday announced that Osun State is partnering with the United Kingdom to use technology to strengthen digital economy policies and expand internet access.

Mr Adeleke said on X that the partnership would, “through the State-level Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Enabling Digital Transformation (SPRIRET) project, strengthen our digital economy policies, expand internet connectivity, accelerate the digitisation of public services, build institutional capacity and create new opportunities for our young people.”

According to him, the vision is to build a state where technology promotes economic growth, encourages innovation, creates jobs and supports inclusive development.

He said the aim is also to ensure that residents in both rural and urban communities benefit from digital opportunities.

The governor thanked the UK government for supporting the state’s vision and pledged to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure the initiative delivers meaningful benefits to residents.

The UK partnership comes weeks after the Osun government announced a separate agreement with Chinese technology firm Hefei Shengwen Information Technology Company Limited to establish an artificial intelligence-powered surveillance system to tackle insecurity.

Under the agreement, the proposed system will deploy drones, AI-enabled cameras, radar, robotics, and Internet of Things technology to gather information, track accidents, and support real-time security operations around the clock.

The project also includes a safe school initiative to improve security in educational institutions, as well as a mobile application that will enable residents to communicate directly with the Command and Control Centre.