Governor Makinde Unveils Plan to Transform Oyo into Tech Powerhouse

**Oyo State Fostering Growth for Tech Companies, Says Governor Makinde**

The Governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, has affirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for technology-oriented businesses to thrive. Governor Makinde made this known over the weekend while delivering a speech at the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN) Summit 1.0, themed “The Rain of Transformation is Upon Us: CEOs Arise,” held in Ibadan, the state capital. The statement was disclosed in a press release by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, on January 26, 2025.

Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Information Communication Technology, Mr. Bayo Akande, Governor Makinde highlighted the state’s initiatives aimed at fostering technological growth. He noted the establishment of the Seyi Makinde Innovation and Technology Hub (SMITH), designed to train students in robotics and artificial intelligence, as a cornerstone of these efforts. The governor also mentioned digital transformation in tertiary institutions across the state, introducing digital tools to unify students’ information management systems, which align with the operations of organizations like RAIN.

Makinde further explained measures to support infrastructure development, such as aligning with the NCC’s recommended rate of N145 per linear meter for broadband deployment, easing the cost of business for tech companies. Earlier, the summit’s convener, Dr. Olusola Ayoola, underscored technology’s critical role in societal transformation. Ayoola called for partnerships among innovators, entrepreneurs, and youth to harness technology for national development, describing it as the “backbone of progress.” He urged stakeholders to turn challenges into opportunities, ensuring technology bridges gaps and creates pathways for future growth.