LAGOS, Nigeria – Lagos State Government, on Monday, stated that the state had provided the sum of N800 million to over 60 startup companies and supported more than 50 research projects.
The State Commissioner for Science and Technology Tubosun Alake, stated this at the Ministerial briefing at Alausa, while presenting the scorecard of the first year of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
From left: Representative, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology, Mr Jimoh Adetunji; Commissioner for Innovation, Science & Technology, Mr Olatunbosun Alake and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Olumide Sogunle, during the Lagos State Ministerial Press Briefing by the Innovation, Science & Technology, in Lagos, on Monday (20/05/24).
He noted that this was done through the Lagos State Science Research and innovation Council.
Alake stressed that the state was poised to ensure that Lagos ranks among major cities of the world which have adopted a well structured digitalisation process, by ensuring that science, technology, research and innovation are not only optimised but equally given top priority in the affairs of the state.
He added that deployment of technology and research would be a continuous process which the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-administration would continue to ensure while in government.
In addition, Alake said the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency, LASRRA, had, so far, registered over six million residents in the state.He added that the agency has also registered over two million children.
According to him “The LASRRA identity card is a multi model card that links bank account, you can also use it on transportation services, when you go on BRT buses or train, you can use the card, that is why i said it is most advanced card in innovation. The card can assist citizens into a formal economy and assist in all economic activities.”
Alake also noted that the Lagos State Government has completed the first phase of the Metro Fibre Project, which is 2,700km and the second phase of 3,300km would soon be completed.
He said, “Building a digitised city will require physical infrastructure connections to improve the digital connectivity of the state. The Metro Fibre project seeks to deliver 3,000km of optic fibre ducts for increase in digital penetration.“
The commissioner also noted that 450 cameras have been deployed across the State, noting that this will secure a safe environment.
“Building a digitised 24 hour city, which would allow companies operate in a safe and secure environment, thereby creating a safer and more conducive environment for businesses, more jobs and increase IGR, internal generated revenue of the state.”
Alake further said the project involves the deployment of intelligent video cameras in strategic locations in the state, with the execution and completion spread over points in time, in phases one, two and three respectively.
“The council manages the science research and innovation fund and promotes scientific research and innovation activities in public and private institutions,” he stated.
