The Osun State Government has announced a partnership with the United Kingdom aimed at enhancing the state’s digital economy and improving public service delivery. This initiative, funded by the UK’s Digital Access Programme, seeks to support essential reforms for Osun’s digital transformation.
Governor Ademola Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, detailed that the collaboration follows in-depth assessments of the state’s digital landscape carried out by the British Deputy High Commission in conjunction with local officials. The program, titled State-level Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Enabling Digital Transformation (SPRIRET), aligns with the UK–Nigeria Strategic Partnership.
SPRIRET will concentrate on five key areas: reforms of digital economy policies and institutions in Osun, enhancement of digital infrastructure and connectivity, development of civic technology alongside the digitization of public services, capacity building within the sector, and coordination of the state’s digital economy ecosystem.
Implementation of the program will be led by the Initiative for Digital Inclusion (iDi) in partnership with the Osun State Government. Governor Adeleke expressed confidence that this collaboration will enhance the state’s competitiveness in the digital economy, stating that it positions Osun for wealth creation and improved opportunities for residents.
Jonny Baxter, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, emphasized that the initiative was co-designed with the governor’s team and aims to bolster the necessary policies and systems for developing Osun’s digital economy. He further noted the program’s potential to promote economic growth and job creation.
Supporting the governor’s vision, Bamikole Omishore, the advisor on Sustainable Development Goals, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to international partnerships that align with the Sustainable Development Goals. He highlighted a commitment to prioritizing inclusive, technology-driven growth.
This partnership comes shortly after Osun State announced a separate collaboration with a Chinese technology firm to implement an artificial intelligence-powered surveillance system intended to enhance security within the state.
