Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has revealed that his desired vision to position Akure as the tech capital of Nigeria. The announcement comes as part of the state’s broader strategy to foster innovation, technological advancement, and economic growth within the region in line with the State’s redeemed agenda.
Aiyedatiwa emphazsed the administration’s vision of the agenda, stating that digital education and entrepreneurship development is the last point of the redeemed acronym while receiving a briefing from the Chairman of the state’s entrepreneurship agency(Ondea) and Special Adviser, Dr Summy Smart Francis on the launch of the Tech awareness training programme that is set to commence on January 30th.
The Governor highlighted the administration’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to technological innovation and entrepreneurship for the empowerment of ondo state youth, towards job creation and skill acquisitions .
The tech awareness and development program is in conjunction with the State information and technology agency (SITA ) and other private local and international institutions, the program is set to run for 6 months and will help identify and develop young minds who are interested in tech, Dr Smart stated, he further stated that the programme will further help the Nation’s loss due to the excessive brain drain as Ondo state will take the lead in training and developing fresh skilled talents.
The programme will also assist trained beneficiaries with remote job placements across the world.
The Chairman of SITA, Hon Akinkugbe Olumbe also emphasized the importance of education in this technological revolution. Plans include collaborations with educational institutions and the establishment of different programs to equip the youth with the necessary skills for the digital age. This strategic approach aims to create a talent pool that will drive Akure’s emergence as a hub for tech excellence.
Akure has already shown promise as a growing tech region with the presence of the Federal University of Technology Akure, Akure Tech Hub, Innovation Centre, private incubator hubs and the ongoing construction of the Entrepreneurship Village, dubbed africa’s silicon valley, with several successful startups and tech-driven initiatives emerging from the region. The governor’s vision builds on these existing foundations, leveraging the innovative spirit that already thrives in Akure to propel the city to new heights.
As the vision to make Akure Nigeria’s tech capital takes shape, the state anticipates a future where technological innovation becomes a driving force for economic prosperity and societal advancement. With visionary leadership, strategic investments, and a community ready to embrace the digital future.
