Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that his administration is committed to building a Lagos that epitomises modernity, inclusivity, and innovation through Vision 2052.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed this commitment while speaking at the unveiling of “Lagos Digital Service Platform,” a pivotal transformative tool embodying the state’s vision of accessible, transparent, and efficient governance, held at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, saying that the platform would bridge the gap between government and the people, fostering trust and delivering impactful services and results in the state.
Speaking during the Art of Technology Lagos 6.0 themed “AI and the Lagos Digital Economy,” the governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, stated that the long-term development plan being put in place by his administration focuses on a thriving economy powered by innovation and modern infrastructure that supports a smart city vision, among others.
According to him, his administration is laying the foundation for a Lagos that is not only a tech hub but also a global example of sustainable urban development.
“The long-term development plan focuses on a thriving economy powered by innovation, modern infrastructure that supports a smart city vision, effective governance that adapts to the needs of the people, and a human-centric approach that ensures that no one is left behind.
“We are laying the foundation for a Lagos that is not only a tech hub but also a global example of sustainable urban development,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He assured that his administration’s commitment to the sustainability of the set goal remained steadfast as it continues to embrace advanced technology like artificial intelligence and blockchain.
According to him, Lagos is not just Nigeria’s economic nerve centre but Africa’s leading technology hub, noting that the state accounts for over 60 per cent of Nigeria’s tech startups, supported by accelerators, incubators, and global tech giants.
“We are building a Lagos that epitomises modernity, inclusivity, and innovation. This long-term development plan focuses on a thriving economy, modern infrastructure that supports a Smart City vision, effective governance that adapts to the needs of its people, and a human-centric approach that ensures no one is left behind,” he said.
Speaking further, Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that in 2023, Lagos-based startups raised over $1.2 billion, amounting to 75 per cent of all startup investments in Nigeria.
According to him, his administration, through deliberate policies and investments, has created an enabling environment that fosters innovation and positions Lagos as a global player in the technology value chain, adding that with the Enterprise Architecture Project, the state government was harmonising data systems to prepare for AI-driven service delivery.
He, therefore, called on stakeholders to collaborate with the state government, describing such collaboration as key as, according to him, “policymakers, educators, entrepreneurs, and innovators all have a role in shaping this journey.”
The State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr Tunbosun Alake, earlier in his welcome address, said that the government was already laying the groundwork for an integrated digital future through the enterprise architecture project.
The commissioner added that with the Lagos State Innovation Bill, the state was also creating an enabling environment for AI research and development, incentivising startups and researchers to explore AI applications and embed AI education in the education sector.
“Lagos is the nation’s tech capital, which is uniquely positioned to capture a lion’s share of artificial intelligence growth, and as such, the state government is actively engaging with national and regional stakeholders, such as the Federal AI Collective, to develop ethical and regulatory frameworks that ensure responsible AI deployment,” he said.
Alake, however, stated that to achieve the set goal, the state needed skilled AI engineers and data scientists who were solving real-world problems through innovative solutions.
Speaking further on the advantage of harnessing AI in the state, the commissioner noted that in the agricultural sector, AI would help enhance agricultural yield through predictive analytics and improve healthcare diagnostics and personalised medicine, thereby optimising the transportation systems with AI-driven insights.
Also speaking, a technology expert, Mr Olugbolahan Olusanya, said that Lagos State had a lot to gain in taking advantage of AI in its various operations, going by the high number of youths in the state capable of supporting the government in its drive to leverage on the fast-growing technology.
Olusanya, however, stressed that there was a need for the government to provide the necessary facilities in the state to support the use of AI at all levels.
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
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