Going by emerging economic status of Ogun state as industrial hub of Nigeria, having considered the continued influx of investments to the State, Ogun state government has earmarked $1 million seed fund for technological development of the State with a view to feeding major investments with required technological prerequisites.
The $1 million seed fund earmarked for technological development is premised on the provision of a world-class, youth-freiendly technological incubation and convergence of techpreneurs who can develop various science and technology-based applications and solutions that fit into socio-economic and political growth and development.
Speaking at the maiden edition of 2018 Ogun State Technological Summit – “TechSummitOgun” held in Abeokuta on Thursday, Governor Ibikunle Amosun declared that Ogun state government would would earmark $1 million seed fund for technological incubation, first of its kind in the country, as a challenge to youths to explore and unlock potentials inherent in technological development.
Governor Amosun joined other speakers at the Summit to say that if there must a reasonably speedy political and socio-economic growth and development of Nigeria’s system, then the country must be technology driven to catch up with her peers in the world as the world is fast changing to technology-driven in all ramifications.
He added that any country who fails to wake up and adopt world best practice as regards technology innovations and hi-tech-driven system and advancement, it would be very difficult for such a country to develop, saying it must be clearly stated that technology does a large chunk
Olaniyi Ayoola, the team leader of 2018 Ogun State Tech Summit, who doubles as Special Assistant to the governor, stated that the aim of the Summit was to bring up a technological challenge where participants, who are mostly youths, are expected to come up with technology-based ideas that offer hi-tech solutions to the socio-economic and political problems of the country.
He said the best 10 ideas would have seed fund ranging from $10,000, brand management and mentorship for further developing the ideas.
He said, “TechSummit was conceived hoping to start a conversation around developing a viable and sustainable technological system in Ogun State putting into consideration the proximity of Ogun to Lagos and also highest number of higher institutions in Nigeria, 21 in number giving us the pool of talents we are looking for.
“Today, it has shown that Ogun State is ready for technological development with the number of people we are having here. There’s going to be TechChallenge 2018 which is a competitive show and a competition where we call for ideas among tertiary institutions and we select the best 10 ideas for a show and tell them to develop the idea into a workable prototype.”
Meanwhile, Bosun Tijani, Chief Executive Officer of Co-Creation HUB (CCHUB) said that the next level of slavery in Africa would come through technology if the continent fails to catch up with the development all over the world.
Tijani, who was the guest lecturer and technology mentor at the Summit, noted
the Nigeria is consumer of technology but has failed to participate on issues and discussions involving technological advancement despite her potentials
which the world is even waiting to source and pay in dollars in return, adding that the country would continue to trail the rest of the world until proper attention is paid to technology.
He said, “If we fail as a country to invest in technology innovations and advancement, the next level of slavery is going to come from technology”.
RAZAQ AYINLA, Abeokuta
