The Governor of Osun State Ademola Adeleke has directed the immediate establishment of a support desk for Osun tech innovators and entrepreneurs to access the recently launched $618m USD tech fund by the African Development Bank (AFDB).
The governor in a statement made this known by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed in Osogbo, that the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology has been instructed to set up a desk to assist all technology and creative sector entrepreneurs in Osun State to apply and access this fund. “
Adeleke expressed eagerness of his government to tap into the opportunities in furtherance of the digital economy agenda of his administration. “I encourage all technology and creative sector entrepreneurs in Osun State to engage directly with the Ministry and register as a stakeholder operating within the state. This is a significant opportunity for our entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, while also contributing to the growth and development of our state”.
He also speaks on partnerships with the African Development Bank to support programs in the technology and creative sector in the state which is a great step towards ensuring that the fund is used for its intended purpose and will benefit Nigeria’s technology and creative sector.
While commending the AfDB president, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the governor said his administration is creating an enabling environment for Osun tech ecosystem, citing the recently unfolded state ICT Policy, State Tech Innovation Policy, domestication of Nigeria’s Startup Act, the flag off of the state’s broadband fiber optic project and the establishment of a Digital Advisory Board My state is in a hurry to be a tech hub for Southwest.
Adeleke appreciate the African Development Bank, which has set up a $618 million fund to support Nigeria’s technology and creative sector. “This is a great initiative spearheaded by Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, the Nigerian President of the African Development Bank in partnership with our Federal Government. I would like to commend him for his visionary leadership and dedication to developing our country.”
“Dr. Adesina has consistently demonstrated his commitment to supporting the growth and development of African economies, and his efforts towards the development of the technology and creative sector in Nigeria are commendable. I am confident that this fund will go a long way in supporting innovation, job creation, and economic growth in our country. He concluded.
