The Oyo State Government is committed towards fostering innovation which is the heartbeat of the digital and tech economy.
The Executive Assistant to the Oyo state Governor on Administration, Rev Idowu Ogedengbe stated this at the Ibadan Tech Expo held at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre on Saturday.
Rev Ogedengbe who represented Gov Seyi Makinde at the event stated that the state government is encouraging businesses to think outside
the box by leveraging Information and Communication Technology.
Ogedengbe said the govt will remain committed to accelerating sustainable development in Oyo State through the digital economy.
“Having recognized the huge potential that the tech and digital economy offer, our government has created policies that
are aimed at offering support, tax breaks, and a conducive environment to encourage startups to
flourish and redefine the future.
By implementing capacity-building programs that train young men and women to become tech entrepreneurs, our partnerships and collaborations are aimed at strengthening innovation ecosystems across the State. We want to see more entrepreneurs that will leverage technology with a view to improving problem-solving processes or creating brand new solutions to those common issues plaguing humanity. “
He added that Ibadan has provided a conducive ecosystem for the Tech Industry as many tech start ups find the environment friendly and supportive of their aspirations.
“The expectation of our Government, under the able leadership of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, is that all these efforts will lead to the emergence of additional tech unicorns having their root and origin in this City.
He said the govt partnered with IHS towards the creation an innovation hub in the premises of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomosho. It initially serve over 3000 individuals, with an annual growth. The hub will boost experience learning in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, autotronics, robotics, digital marketing, and blockchain by providing cutting-edge digital and technological equipment.
The Governor’s representative said skill acquisition today has gone beyond training graduates to become artisans like fashion designers, welders, plumbers etc, the world is going the path of artificial intelligence, coding, python, data analysis, machine learning etc. This is the future that we see and our Governor is committed to supporting.
He recalled the effort of Governor Seyi Makinde who last year trained thousands of youths at Nasarawa state on Agricultural training who by now are CEO of their various enterprises.
According to the organizer of the Ibadan Tech Expo, Mr Danjuma Balogun, the event serves as a pivotal platform, bringing together local tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, innovators, and stakeholders in a dynamic environment to collaborate, exchange ideas, and explore the limitless potential of technology in driving progress.
Mr Balogun commended the effort of the state government in given priority to the positive engagement of its teeming youth.
The Ibadan Tech Expo boasts of an impressive lineup of notable speakers, which also included Seun Onigbinde, Director of BudgIT; Olumide Omotoso, CEO of Watu; Olumide Akinsola among otners
