The governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke said that his administration is ready to work with the African Development Bank and take advantage of the opportunities that the organization offers through its $618 million tech fund.

A support desk for Osun tech entrepreneurs and innovators to access the AfDB's recently launched $618 million technology fund was ordered by the governor.

According to a statement obtained in Osogbo on Sunday from Olawale Rasheed, the governor's spokesperson, Adeleke praised Dr. Akinwumi Adesina for the initiative.

He cited the recently implemented state ICT Policy, State Tech Innovation Policy, domestication of Nigeria's Startup Act, the launch of the state's broadband fiber optic project, and the establishment of a Digital Advisory Board as examples of the enabling environment his administration had created for the Osun tech ecosystem.

The governor said, “I am delighted to appreciate the African Development Bank which has set up a $618m fund to support the technology and creative sector in Nigeria.

“This is a great initiative spearheaded by Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, the Nigerian president of the African Development Bank in partnership with our Federal Government and I would like to commend him for his visionary leadership and dedication to the development of our country.

“As the governor of Osun State, I am pleased to announce that the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology has been instructed to set up a desk to assist all technology and creative sector entrepreneurs in Osun State to apply and access this fund. The desk will provide comprehensive guidance and support to all interested applicants, ensuring that the application process is seamless and efficient.”

He added, “We are also exploring partnerships with the African Development Bank to support programmes in the technology and creative sector in our state. We will be reaching out to the bank soon to discuss how we can collaborate and leverage this fund and other opportunities to create a vibrant and innovative ecosystem in Osun State.”

He encouraged innovation and imaginative area business visionaries in Osun to connect straightforwardly with the public authority and register as partners working inside the state.