Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke on Monday unveiled the state’s digital economy policies and flagged off laying of a broadband fibre optic project worth N16 billion to apply information communication technology in various sectors of the state.
Speaking at the Programme held at the Adolak event centre in Osogbo, the state capital, Senator Adeleke, stated that, the project would cover 64 kilometres of the state and place landmarks of the state on Google maps.
He however signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Oodua Infraco to commence immediate deployment of Fiber Optics across Osun state.
Governor Ademola Adeleke also promised to domesticate the Nigerian StartUps Act for new startups entrepreneurs to enjoy adequate financing from the government.
“As part of our digital economy drive, Osun is poised to be the first State to domesticate the Nigerian StartUps Act. This will be my first Executive Bill I will be forwarding to the State Assembly after this event. The Act is programmed to ensure that new start ups promoters and entrepreneurs secure desired mentoring and financing. The law once domesticated will enhance the goals of both the ICT and the Tech Innovation policy,” he noted.
“As e-commerce is at the heart of the digital economy, my administration also launched the Osun Google Mapping project. This is to ensure that Osun businesses and landmarks are placed on Google maps to start with. When I took over in November, 2022, Osun Goggle Mapping coverage was below 30 percent. I am happy to record that Osun Mapping coverage is today above 50 percent. When we are to launch Phase 2, I will host e-commerce giants in Nigeria alongside Goggle Corporation.”
The governor said connection to the internet will be free for public institutions in the state when the project is completed.
“In line with the new National Broadband policy and the urgency of internet Fiber connectivity for Osun state, this government is waiving payment for Telecom Right of Way in return for free connectivity to our schools and health centers when the broadband project is completed.”
The Chairman of Oodua Infraco, Sammy Adigun, thanked the governor for initiating the digital economy policy.
Mr Adigun said the digital economy of Osun State would be developed after the completion of laying of the broadband cable
