Governor Adeleke signs three landmark bills to modernize Osun’s tech, energy and real estate sectors, strengthening innovation, youth empowerment and digital transformation statewide.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has taken another major step toward positioning the state as a leader in digital innovation and sustainable development with the signing of three transformational bills into law.
The new legislations—which focus on the electricity market, energy diversification, and the technology ecosystem—mark a significant shift in the strategic direction of the state as Adeleke continues to pursue a development model centered on technology, efficiency, inclusiveness, and long-term economic productivity.
The bills were signed during the maiden edition of the Osun Tech Hangout held in Osogbo, an event designed to create a bridge between government, private sector innovators, tech startups, and young digital talents across the state.
The gathering also symbolized the administration’s effort to strengthen collaboration with the state’s growing tech community.
In his address, Adeleke emphasized that Osun State had moved beyond routine governance and was now laying the foundation for a modern economy built around technology, sustainability, and diversified energy sources.
In discussing the newly signed Electricity Market Bill, Adeleke noted that the law represents a groundbreaking milestone in the state’s ability to operate an independent electricity market, in line with recent constitutional amendments that empower states to regulate their own electricity structures.
He explained that Osun can no longer rely solely on the national grid, which has historically been characterized by instability, frequent collapse, and insufficient supply.
The Electricity Market Bill grants Osun the authority to design policies that will strengthen distribution channels, attract private investors, and enhance the availability of electricity for homes, businesses, and industries.
According to the governor, the Ministry of Energy has already been directed to assemble a technical team to develop an implementation mechanism that will translate the provisions of the bill into practical action.
This framework is expected to include guidelines for licensing, quality control, power purchase agreements, and a market environment where multiple energy players can operate efficiently.
The Energy Bill complemented the electricity legislation by charting a clear roadmap for the expansion of Osun’s energy mix.
Adeleke explained that while electricity distribution is important, the broader energy ecosystem must be diversified to guarantee long-term stability.
This means exploring new energy sources such as solar, mini-hydro, waste-to-energy systems, and other renewable technologies that can reduce pressure on the grid and support industrialization.
Under the new law, the state government will work with private investors to build power generation hubs in rural and semi-urban areas, particularly communities that currently have limited access to electricity.
The intention is to democratize access to power, encourage the growth of cottage industries, and improve the ease of doing business.
The bill also sets up an institutional regulatory structure that will oversee energy standards, consumer protection, pricing frameworks, and environmental compliance.
Another major highlight of the signing ceremony was the domestication of the Nigerian Startup Act, which Adeleke said would open doors for young innovators, tech companies, and digital entrepreneurs operating within Osun State.
He stated that the Act provides a legal foundation that ensures startups can receive government support, tax incentives, training opportunities, data protection guarantees, and access to investment programs tailored for early-stage companies.
By adopting the Act, Osun joins a select group of Nigerian states taking deliberate steps to create an enabling environment for digital enterprises.
Implementation is expected to begin immediately, with agencies and innovation hubs working together to create a state registry of startups, mentorship programs, and tech-enabling infrastructure.
During the event, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Innovation, Science, Technology, and Digital Economy, Hon. Azeez Badmus, highlighted several initiatives aimed at preparing young people for global competitiveness.
He noted that the state had launched targeted ICT programs focusing on digital literacy, software engineering, cybersecurity, data analysis, and creative technology.
These programs, according to him, are built to give young people practical, employable skills in high-demand tech fields.
Badmus emphasized that the goal is not only to create job seekers but also to produce job creators—young people who can launch startups, build digital solutions, and contribute to the state’s economic growth.
He added that the state’s investment in innovation centers, co-working spaces, and incubators is helping to stimulate collaboration among tech talents.
Osun State has also embarked on several projects aimed at expanding internet access and strengthening digital infrastructure.
This includes increasing broadband penetration in rural communities, improving network quality in urban centers, and establishing public WiFi zones in selected institutions and government facilities.
Badmus explained that reliable digital infrastructure is essential for the success of the newly signed laws, especially the Startup Act, which requires stable connectivity for product development, e-commerce, remote work, and digital service delivery.
He stressed that innovation thrives when young people have access to both digital tools and supportive environments.
Across his remarks, Adeleke reiterated that the signing of the three bills is not a symbolic act but a deliberate strategy to modernize Osun State.
He assured stakeholders that implementation would be pursued aggressively and transparently to ensure that residents experience real improvements in electricity supply, access to digital opportunities, and investment flow across various sectors.
For the governor, the new laws signify a shift from traditional governance to a future-oriented model where innovation, sustainability, and private-sector partnerships drive development.
By aligning Osun with global trends in technology and renewable energy, Adeleke aims to ensure that the state is well-positioned to compete in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
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