ABEOKUTA– The Ogun Tech Community (OTC), a coalition of technology professionals, startups, innovation hubs, and digital experts across Ogun State, has called for the creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Speaking with newsmen, President of the Ogun Tech Community, Adekunle Durosinmi, said this will fulfill the promised made by the state government, thus renaming the current Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to the Ministry of Education.
He added that the Federal Government having demonstrated leadership with the creation of Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, it is therefore considered imperative for the state to follow suit.
“The federal government ministry of communications, innovation and digital economy has been driven key policies and frameworks such as the Nigeria Startup Act. However, these opportunities are not being properly implemented in Ogun State because there is no dedicated ministry to champion ICT policies and programs.
“Ogun State is home to Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, as well as Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity from Ogun Central, is uniquely positioned to leverage these advantages. Yet, without a Ministry of ICT, many national frameworks and opportunities risk being diverted or underutilized.
“Ogun State has the innovators, the talent, and the national representation to lead Nigeria’s digital economy. What is missing is the institutional structure to harness these opportunities.
“A Ministry of ICT will allow Ogun State to align with federal initiatives, implement crucial policies like the Startup Act, and fully develop Silicon Hill, our own Silicon Valley to nurture globally competitive tech talent”, he added
Durosinmi however believes the creation of a Ministry of ICT will provide a central authority to implement ICT-related policies and frameworks, unlock opportunities from national digital economy programs, accelerate the adoption of the Nigeria Startup Act and other tech-driven legislation.
He added that this will further strengthen Ogun’s tech ecosystem through startups, hubs, and IT professionals and therefore position Ogun State as a digital and innovation hub in Nigeria.
