NEWS
Adeleke Flaunts Achievements in ICT Sector, Inaugurates Digital Advisory Council
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke was upbeat about the achievements of his administration in the technology and innovation sector when he inaugurated a digital economy advisory council to strengthen the ongoing tech revolution in the state.
A government house statement in Osogbo on Saturday has it that while a venture capitalist, Kola Aina, is to serve as chairman, other members of the 20 member council include Ms. Blessing Ajimoti, Mr Tomiwa Aladekomo of Tech Cabal, Mr Kola Omole of Sales Google, Mr Akinbiyi Akinoluyemi of Enterprise Soft, Mr Jude Feranmi of The Founders Hub, Mr Olumide Osewa of Broadband Globacom, Prof Abiodun Aibinu, Ms Titi Akinsanmi, Oladele Tolulope Ayo of Amazon, Mr Femi Longe of BTrust Builders, Mr Olabintan Adebowale of WegoHostU LLC, Mr Segun Solomon of Madros Technologies, Mr Michael Fafiyebi of Innox Technologies and Olanipekun Famoroti of Xtremetech.
At the event in which the governor was represented by the Commissioner for Political Affairs and Regional Integration, Dr Biyi Odunlade, Gov Adeleke reminded Osun people of the neglected state of the tech sector when he took over in 2022 and listed achievements of his administration from 2022 to date in the ICT sector.
He said, “I will start this address by reminding us of the state of the Osun Tech sector when I assumed office on November 27th, 2022. Osun state then has no ICT policy. Our administration has introduced the State ICT policy now under implementation.
“As of 2022, Osun has no tech innovation policy. Our government has developed and delivered the Osun State Tech Innovation Policy also under implementation. We started the fibre optics broadband project which is presently under review for sustainability.
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“Osun domesticated the National Start up Act to enhance development and empowerment of Tech entrepreneurs and local tech hubs for thriving innovations and collective prosperity. Osun was the second state to domesticate the law. Our government increased goggle mapping coverage of Osun from below 50 percent then to over 60 percent. We are supporting private sector led development of digital hubs to deepen statewide innovations and digital entrepreneurship.”
Affirming his administration’s commitment to science and technology as instruments of sectoral development, Governor Adeleke said “the creation of this Council is part of our long-term strategy to build a strong digital economy and this team of experts will guide the State on policies, projects and partnerships that will deepen our digital capacity.
“Your role will include advising the government on innovation, digital skills, data governance, emerging technologies and the future of work. We want Osun to be known as a place where ideas grow, innovations encouraged and technology-driven careers driven by young people. We want startups to thrive and digital entrepreneurs to find support and a clear pathway for scaling their businesses.
“This Council is therefore coming at the right time and we believe your expertise will help us translate these foundations into sustainable systems and measurable impact. Your recommendations will shape digital policies, guide investments and strengthen our innovation ecosystem.
“I urge all members to serve with dedication and integrity as this work goes beyond advisory functions but more about shaping the future of Osun. The decisions we take today will determine the competitiveness of our State in the next decade. I also encourage you to work closely with ministries, institutions, youth organisations and the private sector. Technology thrives on collaboration as no single agency can do it alone”, the governor told the assembly of digital experts in attendance.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon Maruf Ayofe, expounded on the Governor’s submission listing several initiatives such as digital skills training and free WiFi projects amongst others being implemented by the ministry.
He described Adeleke’s administration as strongly pro-tech right from inception as he noted that the government is touching new grounds long neglected in the past including the inauguration of the advisory council.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Science, technology and Innovation, Hon. Azeez Badmis described the inauguration of the council as a game changer, noting that the event marks a new level of public private sector partnership for the development of Osun digital economy and tech innovations.
“Today is a landmark point for the tech sector in Osun state. Stakeholders in the public and private sector now have a common forum to drive tech ideas to place Osun ahead in the comity of states. I congratulate our tech savvy Governor for the vast achievements in the ICT sector”, the Special Adviser noted.
Members of the newly inaugurated council commended the deep commitments of the Adeleke administration to tech and innovation development of Osun State.
NEWS
New NSCDC Boss Takes Charge in Osun, Promises Stronger Security
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has deployed Toma Enya as the new Commandant of the Osun State Command.
Enya’s deployment was approved by the NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, according to a statement issued by the Corps’ spokesperson, Kehinde Adeleke, on Monday in Osogbo.
The new commandant, who was transferred from the Ekiti State Command, officially assumed office on Monday, taking over from Commandant Igbalawole Sotiyo.
SEE MORE: Osun Accord, Adeleke Strategise for Legislative Elections
Following the handing-over ceremony at the command headquarters, Sotiyo led Enya to the Government Office in Abere, where they were received on behalf of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, by the Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi.
Speaking during the visit, Enya pledged to strengthen intelligence gathering and information sharing under his leadership.
He also assured that the command would remain committed to ensuring adequate protection of lives and property across the state.
Adewusi welcomed the new commandant to Osun and assured him of the state government’s support to enable the NSCDC to effectively discharge its statutory mandates and contribute to the security and development of the state.
Enya becomes the 18th NSCDC commandant in Osun State.
He hails from Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, as well as a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
Enya has served the Corps in various operational, investigative and administrative capacities, gaining extensive experience in security operations and management.
The NSCDC said he has also attended several professional courses within and outside Nigeria, further enhancing his expertise in security architecture, leadership and administration.
NEWS
FG Aims to Finish Olobiri Museum in 2028
The Federal Government is committed to completing the the Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre (OMRC) by 2028.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, made the disclosure during an inspection of the project in Otuabagi, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Lokpobiri expressed pleasure with the pace of construction, adding that the facility would preserve the history of Nigeria’s petroleum industry while serving as a major centre for research, tourism and industry events.
“I am very happy that I came today to see what is going on here. This is a masterpiece. The main building itself is over 10,000 square metres,” the minister said, noting that the museum and research centre would provide Nigerians and international visitors with a better understanding of the origins and evolution of the nation’s oil and gas industry, including its achievements, challenges and prospects.
The facility, he further said, will also create opportunities for conferences, exhibitions, retreats and research activities in the petroleum sector, even as he praised the quality of the work done so far and Julius Berger’s pace of work at the site.
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The minister also emphasised that the Federal Government will continue to give financial support to the project to ensure seamless execution while pledging to maintain close oversight of the project through regular visits, including unscheduled inspections, and praised Julius Berger for the quality of work completed so far, just as he appealed to the host community to sustain their cooperation with the contractors and other stakeholders to guarantee the successful delivery of the project.
Speaking on behalf of the contractor, the Project Manager, Engr. Botha de Bruyn, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering the project in line with approved specifications and timelines.
He said Julius Berger recognised the historical significance of the facility and would continue to work closely with the Federal Government, the project management team and the host community to ensure its successful completion.
De Bruyn also reiterated the company’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and professionalism throughout the construction process.
Providing an update on the development, the Project Director of the Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre, Architect Ladipo Lewis, said the project was conceived to recognise Otuabagi as the birthplace of Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
He explained that the facility would document and preserve the history, culture, environment and technological evolution of the oil and gas sector, while also serving as a hub for research, training and knowledge sharing.
Lewis disclosed that the project had attained over 15 per cent completion, with significant infrastructure works already executed.
International News
Tanzania in Mourning as President Samia Loses Husband
Tanzania is mourning following the death of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who died on Monday while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar.
The death of Tanzania’s First Gentleman was officially announced by Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi, according to the BBC.
Ndejembi said Ameir had been suffering from a heart condition and died at about 8am local time at the Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.
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He added that funeral arrangements were underway in Kizimkazi, a village on Zanzibar.
Ameir, an agricultural academic, largely kept a low public profile and rarely appeared alongside his wife at official events.
He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after Samia assumed the presidency in March 2021.
The couple married in 1978, before Samia entered national politics, and had four children — three sons and a daughter.
Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is a politician and serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.
Ruto, AU mourn First Gentleman
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed his condolences to President Samia and her family following the death.
In a message posted on X on Monday, Ruto said, “I have received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania.”
He added, “President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son.”
Ruto further said, “Kenya stands with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters in this moment of grief,” while praying for the bereaved family.
The African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, also extended his condolences to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania.
In a statement issued on Monday, Youssouf said the AU conveyed its “deepest condolences” over the passing of Hafidh Ameir Hassan and wished the bereaved family “strength, courage and solace.”
The AU Chairperson also prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased, concluding, “Inalilahi wainailehi rajiun.”





