Ogun Tech Community Welcomes Minister, Seeks Federal Support for Innovation Hub
On Thursday, the Ogun Tech Community welcomed the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for a roundtable discussion held in Abeokuta. The event was designed to strengthen cooperation among government bodies, the technology sector, and local inventors with the aim of fostering equitable digital progress.
The event titled "Ogun Tech Forward Innovation & Startups Roundtable" gathered startup founders, tech enthusiasts, and government officials in Abeokuta. The purpose was to discuss methods for utilizing technology to enhance farming practices, generate employment opportunities, and establish a robust digital economic framework within Ogun State.
During his address to the attendees of the session, the minister emphasized the critical necessity of embracing technology in crucial areas such as agriculture. This approach aims to combat escalating food costs and lessen Nigeria’s reliance on imported foods.
He stated that without incorporating technology, conventional farming methods would stay inefficient and expensive, potentially threatening the country's food security.
"Technological innovations have already made a contribution of 16 to 18 percent, however, our target is to reach 21 percent. It is essential to integrate our technological advancements into farming practices to ensure sufficient food production for our population," stated Tijani.
He argued that utilizing advanced technologies like drones, sensors, data analytics, and mobile applications could facilitate precise agricultural practices and boost productivity throughout the nation's extensive cultivatable areas.
As he stated, the federal government is dedicated to backing grassroots innovation centers beyond big metropolitan areas to guarantee fair access to digital opportunities.
"We shouldn't entrust innovation solely to a select number of cities. All parts of Nigeria, including smaller towns and remote regions, should participate in the digital transformation. By involving greater numbers of people, our nation will grow increasingly robust," he stated.
In line with this pledge, the minister disclosed that the federal government would support the Ogun Tech Hub’s project designed to generate 300 employment opportunities via business process outsourcing. He characterized this effort as an integral component of a larger plan to convert states into "centers for talent."
If we fail to invest in our own people, we will continue relying on external solutions," he stated. "It’s essential to foster an environment where local concepts can flourish and transform into genuine enterprises.
Tijani also promoted the incorporation of new technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and drones into both farming practices and educational systems.
He highlighted how generative artificial intelligence can boost personalized education and improve digital skills within underprivileged areas.
In his earlier comments, the president of the Ogun Tech Community, Mr Adekunle Durosinmi, called upon the federal government to seek strategic assistance aimed at speeding up the development of the state’s expanding technology sector.
He advocated for setting up a comprehensive innovation center along with a constant administrative body aimed at aiding start-ups, fostering skills development, and enhancing digital participation at the local level.
Ogun State holds a distinct advantage and has the potential to lead Nigeria in technological innovation and entrepreneurial endeavors.
"We boast over 29 higher education institutions—a greater number than any other state in Nigeria—which positions us as a natural hub for innovation," stated Durosinmi.
He observed that the Ogun Tech Community, after being formally registered in 2022, has initiated various programs aimed at advancing digital literacy, enhancing cybersecurity, and fostering inclusive technological advancement.
He states that the team has established 19 operational clusters, encompassing roles such as developers, mentors, women in technology, and agricultural innovation leaders.
Durosinmi reiterated their support for the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill 2024, emphasizing that their initiatives and lobbying activities aim at promoting ethical advancement and broad-based digital progress.
“We want to see such solutions replicated across the country. To accelerate this, we need your support. Ogun urgently needs a fully functioning physical secretariat and, importantly, a dedicated innovation hub to nurture and grow even more startups,” he told the minister.
The roundtable ended with a strengthened pledge from both the federal government and the Ogun Tech Community to enhance cooperation and foster a more inclusive, innovation-led economic growth throughout the state and further afield.
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