The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to developing Ibadan’s technology ecosystem through partnerships with private sector players, as preparations gather momentum for the fourth edition of the Ibadan Startup Fest (ISF).
The government said collaboration with technology entrepreneurs and investors remained important to promoting innovation, supporting business growth, and creating employment opportunities in the state.
The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on ICT, Mr Bayo Akande Jnr., stated this on Tuesday during a press conference organised by the Ibadan Startup Fest organisers at the Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan.
Akande commended the organizers for chfiber-opticoosing to establish and sustain the festival in Ibadan rather than Lagos, noting that the state capital had the potential to attract technology-driven businesses and investments.
He said the growing technology ecosystem in Ibadan was supported by infrastructure development, including extensive fibre-optic deployment and Independent Power Projects (IPPs), as well as the emergence of successful businesses operating from the city.
The governor’s aide, however, stressed that government alone could not drive technological advancement and business development without active participation from the private sector.
“This sort of partnership is what is important. The government can create the rails, but it cannot drive the businesses itself. It is important that the private and public sectors work together,” he said.
Akande added that bringing innovative technologies to Ibadan would help the city keep pace with developments in the global technology industry.
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“It is also important that innovative technologies are brought to Ibadan so we can move at the same pace as the rest of the world,” he said.
The fourth edition of the Ibadan Startup Fest, scheduled for November 28, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, is expected to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, technology enthusiasts, students, and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the briefing, the Convener of the festival, Mr David Adeleke, said the event had grown from a gathering of about 100 participants four years ago into a platform for promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and job creation.
He said the 2026 edition would focus on how individuals and businesses could deploy emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), to improve productivity and expand their operations.
According to him, the conference would feature masterclasses, fireside chats and startup pitch sessions, alongside a gala and awards night to recognise startups and individuals developing innovative solutions in Ibadan and other emerging markets.
Adeleke attributed the festival’s growth partly to the support of the Oyo State Government, adding that the initiative was helping to draw attention to the state’s growing technology and business environment.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Cardify and a partner of the festival, Mr Tunde Buremo, said his company deliberately chose Ibadan as its headquarters to demonstrate that businesses could achieve growth outside major commercial centers.
He said Cardify’s decision was intended to challenge the perception that technology companies must be based in Lagos to succeed.
Buremo commended the state government for creating an environment he said had encouraged businesses to operate and grow in Ibadan.
He added that the festival would provide young people with opportunities to acquire practical entrepreneurial knowledge, engage with industry players and explore business opportunities.
The organisers urged startup founders, investors, students, entrepreneurs, and members of the public to participate in the event, with registration available through the official Ibadan Startup Fest website.
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