The Osun State Government has entered into a partnership with the United Kingdom to strengthen digital infrastructure, improve internet connectivity and accelerate the delivery of government services through technology.
The agreement will be implemented through the UK-funded Digital Access Programme, which is designed to support policy reforms and strengthen institutions responsible for driving digital development across the state.
Governor Ademola Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, disclosed that the initiative followed months of discussions and assessments involving the British Deputy High Commission and officials of the state government.
The programme, known as State-level Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Enabling Digital Transformation (SPRIRET), operates under the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.
It will focus on five major areas, including improving digital economy policies, expanding internet infrastructure, increasing access to digital services, developing institutional capacity and strengthening coordination among stakeholders in the state’s technology sector.
The Initiative for Digital Inclusion (iDi) will oversee the implementation of the programme in collaboration with the Osun State Government.
Reacting to the development, Governor Adeleke said the partnership would strengthen the state’s position in the growing digital economy while creating additional opportunities for residents, particularly young people.
He added that his administration would ensure that the benefits of improved internet access, technology-driven services and economic opportunities reach residents in both rural and urban communities.
The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, said the initiative was jointly designed with the state government to establish stronger policies, systems and institutions capable of supporting long-term digital development.
He explained that the collaboration would encourage economic growth, support job creation and widen access to opportunities provided by digital technology.
Also commenting on the partnership, Bamikole Omishore, the governor’s Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals and Multilateral Relations, reiterated the state’s commitment to international collaborations that promote inclusive development and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The agreement comes weeks after Osun State announced a separate partnership with Chinese technology firm Hefei Shengwen Information Technology Company Limited to establish an artificial intelligence-powered surveillance network aimed at addressing insecurity.
The proposed security project includes the deployment of smart cameras, drones, radar systems, robotics and Internet of Things devices connected to a central monitoring centre.
The planned surveillance network is expected to cover schools, banks, farms, mining locations, commercial centres, motor parks and other public facilities across the state.
