Osun State Teams Up with UK for Digital Growth and Better Services

The Osun State Government is working with the United Kingdom to boost its digital economy, increase internet access, and improve public services in the state.

This partnership will be carried out under the UK-funded Digital Access Programme. It aims to support necessary policy and institutional changes that will speed up Osun's digital transformation.

Olawale Rasheed, the governor's spokesperson, shared this information in a statement on Tuesday. He mentioned that the initiative came after months of discussions and assessments of Osun's digital situation by the British Deputy High Commission and state officials.

The programme is called State-level Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Enabling Digital Transformation, or SPRIRET. It follows the UK, Nigeria Strategic Partnership.

"Together they assessed Osun’s digital landscape, including its needs, readiness, and opportunities to expand connectivity and build digital skills. The response was co-designed with the state," the statement said.

SPRIRET will focus on five key areas: reforms to Osun’s digital economy policies and institutions; digital infrastructure, connectivity, and access; civic technology and digitization of public services; capacity development; and coordination of the state’s digital economy ecosystem.

The Initiative for Digital Inclusion, or iDi, will carry out the programme in partnership with the Osun State Government.

Governor Ademola Adeleke said this partnership will help Osun compete better in the digital economy and create more opportunities for the people.

"This partnership affirms Osun’s place as a state ready to compete in the digital economy space for wealth creation. We appreciate the UK Government for its confidence in our vision," Mr Adeleke said.

He also noted that his administration will work with partners to ensure that both rural and urban residents benefit from better digital access, public services, and opportunities for young people.

Jonny Baxter, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, stated that the programme was co-designed with the governor’s team. He said it will strengthen the policies, systems, and institutions needed to grow the state’s digital economy.

"The UK is proud to partner with Osun State on this ambitious programme," Mr Baxter said. He added that the initiative will help promote economic growth, create jobs, and provide wider access to digital opportunities.

Bamikole Omishore, the governor’s Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals and Multilateral Relations, also spoke. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to international partnerships that support the Sustainable Development Goals.

He said the government remains focused on ensuring that inclusive, technology-driven growth is at the heart of governance.