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$618m AFDB Tech Fund: Governor Adeleke Creates Support Desk For Osun Tech Innovators/Entrepreneurs

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By Biztellers

 

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has directed immediate establishment of a support desk for Osun tech innovators and entrepreneurs to access the recently launched 618 USD tech fund by the African Development Bank (AFDB).

 

In response to the tech fund which was a collaboration between the AfDB and the Federal Government of Nigeria, Governor Adeleke expressed the readiness of his government to tap into the opportunities in furtherance of the digital economy agenda of his administration.

 

Governor Adeleke who was full of praises for the AFDB president, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, said his administration has created enabling environment for Osun tech ecosystem, citing the recently unfolded state ICT Policy, State Tech Innovation Policy, domestication of Nigeria’s Startup Act, the flag off of the state’s broadband fiber optic project and the establishment of a Digital Advisory Board, adding ” My state is in a hurry to be a tech hub for South West.”

 

“I am delighted to appreciate the African Development Bank which has set up a $618 million fund to support the technology and creative sector in Nigeria. This is a great initiative spearheaded by Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, the Nigerian President of the African Development Bank in partnership with our Federal Government and I would like to commend him for his visionary leadership and dedication to the development of our country.

 

“Dr. Adesina has consistently demonstrated his commitment to supporting the growth and development of African economies, and his efforts towards the development of the technology and creative sector in Nigeria are commendable. I am confident that this fund will go a long way in supporting innovation, job creation, and economic growth in our country.

 

“As the Governor of Osun State, I am pleased to announce that the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology has been instructed to set up a desk to assist all technology and creative sector entrepreneurs in Osun State to apply and access this fund. The desk will provide comprehensive guidance and support to all interested applicants, ensuring that the application process is seamless and efficient.

 

“We are also exploring partnerships with the African Development Bank to support programs in the technology and creative sector in our state. We will be reaching out to the bank soon to discuss how we can collaborate and leverage this fund and other opportunities to create a vibrant and innovative ecosystem in Osun State.

 

“I commend the African Development Bank for domiciling the fund in the Bank of Industry to prevent it from being politicized. This is a great step towards ensuring that the fund is used for its intended purpose and will benefit the technology and creative sector in Nigeria.

 

“I encourage all technology and creative sector entrepreneurs in Osun State to engage directly with the Ministry and register as a stakeholder operating within the state. This is a significant opportunity for our entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, while also contributing to the growth and development of our state”, the State Governor stated.

 

While pledging to unfold the second phase of the state digital economy agenda in due course, Governor Adeleke called on Osun elite “to join his administration in the drive to harness the potential of the technology and creative sector and create a vibrant and innovative ecosystem in Osun State”

Spokesperson to the Executive Governor

Politics

“PDP Can’t Unseat Tinubu with Wike in Charge” — Ulasi Blows Hot, Threatens Exit

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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dan Ulasi, has warned that the party stands little chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if Nyesom Wike continues to play a leading role while allegedly supporting the ruling government.

Ulasi, who spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, expressed deep concern over what he described as a “contradictory situation” within the PDP, stressing that such internal inconsistencies could weaken the party’s credibility and chances at the polls.

ALSO READ: ‘I Didn’t Mean It Literally’ — Nyesom Wike Clears Air as Atiku Abubakar Fires Back

“I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader,” Ulasi said, warning that he may be forced to leave the party if the issue is not addressed.

The PDP stalwart argued that Wike cannot effectively serve as a leader in the opposition while maintaining close ties with President Tinubu, describing the situation as “unconstructive” for a party seeking to reclaim power at the national level.

He further questioned what role Wike would play if another candidate emerges as the PDP’s presidential flag-bearer ahead of the 2027 election, asking whether the former Rivers State governor would actively participate in party rallies or align with the ruling party’s activities.

Ulasi warned that the party’s next meeting could be his last if its leadership fails to provide satisfactory explanations, insisting that he cannot continue to be part of a process riddled with contradictions.

In a related development, Ulasi revealed that Peter Obi had visited him several times this year, including a recent meeting following an appearance in Enugu.

He spoke positively about Obi’s vision for Nigeria, noting that the former presidential candidate offers a sense of hope for the country’s future, although he stopped short of declaring any political alignment.

Reflecting on his longstanding ties to the PDP, Ulasi recalled his role during the party’s formation alongside late former Vice-President Alex Ekueme and other founding members.

Despite his deep connection to the party, he maintained that he would rather step aside than remain in a system he considers inconsistent.

He added that if he eventually exits the PDP, he has no plans to join another political party, stating that he would instead operate as a private consultant.

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Politics

Drama in Ogun APC as Gbenga Daniel Claims He Was Barred From Meeting

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There was tension within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday after former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, alleged that he was barred from attending a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held in Ijebu Ode.

The meeting, which took place at Adeola Odutola Hall, was reportedly convened to bring together key party stakeholders, including current and former local government chairmen, councillors, and serving as well as former lawmakers from both state and national levels.

However, the senator, in a viral video circulating online, claimed he was denied entry into the venue despite being part of the expected attendees.

ALSO READ: “APC Failure in Disguise?” — Dickson Tears Into ADC Coalition

Speaking from his branded campaign bus parked at the venue, Daniel expressed disappointment over the situation, saying he and his team were stopped from accessing the meeting.

He further questioned the legitimacy of any resolutions reached at the gathering, suggesting that the outcome of the meeting should not be considered valid.

As of press time, the Ogun State APC leadership had yet to issue an official response to the allegation.

 

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Politics

Who Leads ADC? Supreme Court to Hear Mark’s Appeal in Heated Party Rift

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The lingering leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set for a crucial legal test as the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark.

Mark is challenging a legal action brought by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, over the control and leadership structure of the ADC.

The case, scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, is expected to determine the direction of the party amid deepening internal divisions.

SEE MORE: 2027: Why ADC, Opposition Leaders Stormed INEC in Abuja

Through his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark is seeking an order to stay the execution of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, pending the final resolution of the matter.

He also urged the apex court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from making any alterations to the party’s leadership as currently constituted under his faction.

In addition, Mark is asking the court to suspend further proceedings in a related suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.

The dispute dates back to a September 4, 2025 ruling by the Federal High Court following an ex parte application filed by Bala, which has since fueled competing claims to the party’s leadership.

The ADC has, in recent months, been embroiled in a bitter factional crisis, with rival camps asserting legitimacy.

The situation has been worsened by conflicting court orders and administrative uncertainty surrounding who truly leads the party.

Tensions escalated after INEC reportedly removed Mark as the party’s national chairman from its official records, sparking protests by his loyalists.

The demonstration drew prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

In response, the Bala-led faction staged a counter-protest, insisting on recognition by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.

As the battle shifts to the Supreme Court, political observers say the outcome could decisively shape the future of the ADC, particularly as political alignments begin to take form ahead of upcoming elections.

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