Ibadan, Oyo State – Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for technology-driven companies and innovation to thrive in the state.

Speaking at the inaugural Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN) Summit 1.0, themed “The Rain of Transformation Is Upon Us: CEOs Arise,” Makinde outlined various initiatives aimed at fostering a robust technological ecosystem. The event, held in Ibadan over the weekend, also featured the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, among other key stakeholders.

Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Information Communication Technology, Mr. Bayo Akande, Makinde highlighted his government’s strides in advancing technological innovation. These efforts, he said, include establishing the Seyi Makinde Innovation and Technology Hub (SMITH), which trains students in robotics and artificial intelligence.

“There are a few things that the state government is doing, such as creating an enabling environment for companies like RAIN to thrive,” Makinde stated. “Institutes like SMITH are equipping students with critical skills in robotics and AI. Additionally, we have incorporated digital tools into our tertiary institutions to unify students’ information and management systems, fostering collaboration with tech companies like RAIN to make their courses more accessible to Oyo State citizens.”

The governor also emphasized measures to reduce infrastructure costs for businesses, noting that Oyo State has aligned with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on affordable rates for laying fiber-optic cables. “As of a year ago, we charged N145 per linear meter, in line with NCC recommendations, to ease the cost of doing business for companies delivering critical infrastructure,” he said.

A Call for Collaboration

Dr. Olusola Ayoola, the convener of the RAIN Summit, described the event as a platform to bring innovators, entrepreneurs, and youths together to drive technological progress.

“The entrepreneurs will focus on the commercial aspects of learning and development, while the youth represent the human capacity needed to build these solutions,” Ayoola explained.

He stressed the transformative power of technology, calling it “the backbone of our progress.” Ayoola urged stakeholders to collaborate in leveraging technological advancements to address national challenges and create opportunities for the younger generation.

“We must harness our collective expertise to turn challenges into opportunities for our youths,” Ayoola said, envisioning a future where technology bridges gaps and drives national development.

Partnerships for Growth

The summit underscored the importance of partnerships between governments, private companies, and innovators in fostering a supportive ecosystem for technological advancements. Makinde’s administration continues to position Oyo State as a hub for technology and innovation, aiming to empower young Nigerians and entrepreneurs while attracting investment into the state.

As the RAIN Summit concluded, stakeholders reiterated the need for sustained efforts to ensure technology serves as a catalyst for economic growth and societal transformation.