Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has said his administration was deploying technology for Infrastructure, governance reform and public safety, among many other uses.

The governor, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the maiden Osun digital festival held in Osogbo, Osun State, on Thursday and attended by participants from across the country, mentioned specifically the plan by his administration to implement the Osun Smart Resident ID to strengthen planning, service delivery, and security coordination.

Highlighting other sectors of the state economy that his administration has leveraged Information Communication Technology for optimum service delivery, Adeleke said the state government has reactivated the Emergency Call Centre.

“Through the toll-free number 293, citizens can now access emergency services at no cost. Under the Osun Safe City Initiative, we are advancing CCTV deployment in strategic locations.

“We are also implementing the Osun Smart Resident ID, to strengthen planning, service delivery, and security coordination. Through Imole WiFi, we are expanding public internet access across communities.

“In Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies, Osun State is building a state framework for AI and blockchain deployment. Presently, we have the State Digital Protection Act and the proposed State AI Act before the House of Assembly. The framework will enable secure digital certificates, trusted government receipts, and autonomous digital services through a newly designed state website,” the governor said.

He also announced the launch of AlphaStart Hub, the first state-owned founders’ hub, adding that within one year, three hubs will be established across the senatorial districts, with headquarters at the Osun Digital City.

In education, the governor said his administration will introduce ‘Imole EduPod’ — a solar-powered, containerised mini hub with an offline CBT centre, connected through Imole WiFi, to expand digital learning access, while supporting sustainable energy use.

Assuring the state tech community of maximum support, Adeleke disclosed that “From the next fiscal year, we will be supporting upcoming tech businesses with grants and financial lifeline.”

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the governor on Science and Technology, Azeez Badmus, commended the governor for leading the charge for reforms in public administration through ICT.

“The reforms were anchored on the clear mandate of the governor. He (Adeleke) directed that technology must sit at the centre of governance. Not at the margins. At the centre. Under this mandate, we prioritised digital infrastructure. Broadband expansion is no longer confined to major towns. We are opening access across local governments because opportunity must not depend on location.

“We moved decisively on digital governance.
Key public services are now automated. Land administration processes have been streamlined. Investment platforms are online.
Payroll systems are digitised. Certifications are processed electronically. These reforms reduce delays, improve transparency, and strengthen ease of doing business,” Badmus said.

He said the administration was also investing in Osun’s youthful population through digital skills development and structured startup support to create new economic pathways.

In the recent past, the Osun State Government has been reiterating its desire to make the state a hub for innovation and technology.

The PUNCH reported in May, 2025 that the government expressed commitment to harnessing innovation and technology to drive economic growth and create opportunities for the people.

The state government also said it will provide the needed platform and resources for youths in the state to develop innovative solutions to bridging the digital divide.

The state Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Moroof Ayofe, stated this at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Osun Challenge Initiative held in Osogbo.

Ayofe noted that the state government’s vision is to position Osun as a hub for innovation and technology.

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