Osun, UK partner to drive digital transformation
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Osun State Government has entered into a partnership with the United Kingdom to strengthen digital infrastructure, improve public service delivery and expand economic opportunities through technology.
The partnership, which will be implemented under the UK-funded Digital Access Programme, is expected to support the state’s efforts to develop its digital economy, create jobs and promote inclusive growth.
The initiative, known as State-level Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Enabling Digital Transformation (SPRIRET), is guided by the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.
British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr Jonny Baxter, disclosed this in a letter to Governor Ademola Adeleke, explaining that the project followed months of engagement between the Osun State Government and the Deputy High Commission.
He said both parties had assessed the state’s digital landscape, including its level of readiness, existing challenges and opportunities for expanding internet connectivity and developing digital skills.
According to him, the programme was designed in collaboration with the state government to address identified gaps and create an enabling environment for digital economic growth.
The areas of intervention include digital economy policy and institutional reforms, improvement of digital infrastructure and connectivity, digitisation of public services, civic technology and Digital Public Infrastructure.
The programme will also provide capacity development, strengthen coordination among stakeholders and support the sustainable implementation of digital initiatives across the state.
The Initiative for Digital Inclusion (iDi) will implement the project in collaboration with the Osun State Government.
Reacting to the development, Governor Adeleke described the partnership as an important step towards positioning Osun to benefit from opportunities in the digital economy.
He said, “This partnership affirms Osun’s place as a state ready to compete in the digital economy space for wealth creation. We appreciate the UK Government for its confidence in our vision.
“My administration will work closely with all partners to ensure every Osun citizen, from the rural areas to the cities, benefits from expanded access, better public services and new opportunities for our young people.”
Baxter said the UK was pleased to work with Osun on a programme designed to strengthen the policies, systems and institutions needed to support a thriving digital economy.
“The UK is proud to partner with Osun State on this ambitious programme, co-designed with the Governor’s team. By strengthening the policies, systems and institutions that underpin a digital economy, SPRIRET will help unlock growth, create jobs and widen access to digital opportunity for people across the state,” he said.
He added that the initiative reflected the shared commitment of both countries under the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Multilateral Relations, Bamikole Omishore, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to international partnerships that would advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
He said the government remained committed to placing inclusive and technology-driven development at the centre of its governance agenda.