Makinde stated that his administration remains focused on building and sustaining a supportive ecosystem to encourage tech-driven initiatives and attract investors to the state
Oyo State’s enabling environment set for tech companies to thrive, says Gov. Makinde
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for technology-driven companies to thrive.
Speaking at the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN) Summit 1.0, held over the weekend in Ibadan, the state capital, Makinde—represented by his Senior Special Assistant on ICT, Mr. Bayo Akande—highlighted various initiatives aimed at fostering technological innovation in the state.
The summit, themed “The Rain of Transformation Is Upon Us: CEOs Arise,” was attended by key stakeholders, including the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
Makinde stated that his administration remains focused on building and sustaining a supportive ecosystem to encourage tech-driven initiatives and attract investors to the state.
Makinde said: “There are few things that the state government is doing such as creating an enabling environment for companies like RAIN to thrive. This is very important and we have built institutes like Seyi Makinde Innovation and Technology Hub (SMITH), which helps in training students in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.
“If you look at our tertiary institutions, we have brought in digital tools to unify our students’ information and management system, which enables companies like RAIN and others.
“This is a discussion we are looking to have to then put some of their courses on platforms like this, which can give it a wider reach to citizens of Oyo State in partnership with RAIN.
“Oyo State, as at a year ago, charged about N145 per linear meter. That’s in line with the NCC suggested rate. So, we are fully keyed into that to ease the cost of doing business for people who are trying to deliver infrastructure.”
Earlier, the convener of the summit, Dr Olusola Ayoola, said the RAIN summit was convened to bring innovators, entrepreneurs and youths together, saying: “The entrepreneurs are the ones that will pursue the commercial aspect of learning and development of our society while the young people are the ones that represent human capacity to develop such solutions.
He emphasised the importance of technology as a transformative force, stating that “technology is not just a tool; it is the backbone of our progress.”
Dr. Ayoola called for partnerships and collaborations among stakeholders to harness technological advancements for national development.
He articulated a vision where technology serves as a bridge to opportunities, saying that: “We must leverage our collective expertise to turn challenges into opportunities for our youths.”
