According to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, his administration has taken a variety of actions to foster an atmosphere that allows technology-oriented businesses and others to prosper in the state.
He made this statement over the weekend while speaking at the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria Summit 1.0, which was hosted in the state capital of Ibadan and had as its topic “The Rain of Transformation Is Upon Us, CEOs Arise.” He informed reporters in Ibadan of this in a statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser (Media), Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
Governor Makinde, accompanied by his Senior Special Assistant on Information Communication Technology, Mr. Bayo Akande who spoke at the summit, which was attended by Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. He cited a number of initiatives the government had done to create a state that was favourable to technology advancement and his administration has stayed committed to developing an environment that is conducive to tech-driven projects.
According to him, the state government does a few things, including fostering an atmosphere that makes it possible for businesses like RAIN to prosper. This is crucial, which is why we have established facilities like the Seyi Makinde Innovation and Technology Hub (SMITH), which aids in training students artificial intelligence and robotics.
“If you look at Tertiary Institutions, we have integrated digital tools to consolidate our students’ data and administration systems, allowing businesses like RAIN and others to operate, he added.
“In collaboration with RAIN, we hope to have this conversation before putting some of their courses on websites like this one, which will allow them to reach more Oyo State residents.
“Approximately N145 per linear metre was the price Oyo State charged a year ago. That matches the rate recommended by the NCC. Therefore, our whole focus is on lowering the cost of doing business for those attempting to provide infrastructure.”
The purpose of the RAIN summit, according to the summit organiser, Dr. Olusola Ayoola, was to unite young people, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Young people are the ones who symbolise the human capacity to find such solutions, according to Ayoola, while entrepreneurs will pursue the commercial component of learning and the development of our society.
Ayoola underlined the significance of technology as a transformative force, saying that “technology is the backbone of our progress; it is not just a tool.”
In order to use technology breakthroughs for the sake of national development, Ayoola urged stakeholders to form alliances and work together.
“We must leverage our collective expertise to turn challenges into opportunities for our youths,” he said, articulating a vision in which technology acts as a bridge to opportunities.