UK, Ekiti govt move to accelerate digital transformation

The United Kingdom Government has partnered with the Ekiti State Government to accelerate digital transformation in the state through policy, regulatory and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening the digital economy and expanding access to technology-driven opportunities.

Part of the partnership was unveiled at a stakeholders’ engagement forum held in Ado-Ekiti on the Digital Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Project. The forum was organised by the Ekiti State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Digital Economy in collaboration with the Initiative for Digital Inclusion (IDI), with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The engagement brought together government officials, private sector operators, civil society organisations, development partners, academics and players in the technology ecosystem to deliberate on reforms required to build a more inclusive and digitally empowered Ekiti.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, Seun Fakuade, said the partnership reflected the state government’s determination to translate Ekiti’s high educational attainment and intellectual capital into innovation, enterprise development, employment and wealth creation.

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Fakuade said the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji had prioritised future-of-work skills, digital infrastructure and an enabling environment for young people and businesses to thrive in the state.

He said the state had established a public-sector-led Startup Garage equipped with digital innovation tools, robotics kits and 3D printers, while work was ongoing on a larger 1,200-seater facility expected to provide advanced infrastructure for young innovators, entrepreneurs and startups.