By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has officially launched AlphaStart Hub, the state’s first government-owned innovation center designed to accelerate technology-driven governance and entrepreneurship.
Speaking on Thursday at the maiden Osun Tech Festival, Governor Adeleke announced that AlphaStart Hub marks the beginning of a broader digital expansion.
He revealed plans to establish three additional hubs across the state’s senatorial districts within the next year, with a central headquarters located at the proposed Osun Digital City.
Reflecting on the state’s progress since he took office in November 2022, the Governor noted that his administration inherited a largely analogue system lacking ICT policies or digital infrastructure.
“We made a firm decision that technology would not be an accessory to governance; it would be the foundation,” Adeleke stated. “We have since developed a state ICT policy, a tech innovation policy, and domesticated the Nigeria Startup Act to create an enabling space for digital growth.”
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation, Science, and Technology, Azeez Badmus, emphasized that these reforms are centered on making technology a primary driver of economic growth.
He highlighted that broadband expansion is no longer limited to major cities but is being extended to local governments to ensure inclusive opportunity.
Hon. Maruf Dele Ayofe, Commissioner for Innovation, Science, Technology, and Digital Economy, concluded the event by calling on stakeholders to support local tech talent, describing them as the key to solving both local and global challenges.