In order to kick-start the Board’s activities, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu, in his quest to advance scientific innovation in Lagos State, inaugurated the newly formed Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council and Cybersecurity Advisory Board. The Board was given a grant of N1Billion for the start-up of its activities.
The grant was announced at the inauguration of the Lagos House Banquet Hall in Ikeja. It was presided by the Deputy governor, Kadri Hamzat.
According to a press release signed by Tunde Ao, Senior Special Assistant of Governor Sanwo-Olu the governor stated his administration’s commitment to increasing success metrics through the provision LASRIC Seed Fund.
He said that “with the provision LASRIC Seed Fund to the tune N1,000,000,000 (One billion Naira) as the first tranche payment to council, we believe that this fund will continue to catalyse the development in our dear State.”
The Governor stated that the THEMES Plus Agenda of the current administration is centered on the sustenance and development of the State. He added that in order to achieve deeper positive economic outcomes, a body for Innovation, Science, and Technology was needed to manage and promote Lagos State’s engagement with science and technology.
He noted that LASRIC, within Research and Development, has supported over 70 initiatives, ranging in projects from biomass and biodiesel, to artificial intelligence for medical imagery. “Their efforts have increased the innovation activity within the State by more than 250%,” he said.
The Governor outlined the key areas of responsibilities of Government to the newly recommissioned LASRIC Board, including Increased Funding and support, Collaboration and Partnerships (including partnerships), Capacity Building (including a focus on local challenges), Promotion of a Culture of Innovation and LASRIC Seed Fund. He added that all of these areas would increase the ecosystem science and innovation of the state.
Sanwo-Olu stated that the board is made up of experts from the industry, academia and the public sector with the mission to expand and deepen innovation activities in Lagos.
The governor congratulated the newly formed council and said, “It is my hope that the new LASRIC will work assiduously to ensure the realization of our collective goals and aspirations. I congratulate the chairman and members of the Board on heeding the calling to serve.” I have no doubt that you will bring your experience and expertise to bear on your new assignments, which informed your selection to service the government and people of Lagos State.”
In an earlier event Governor Sanwo-Olu launched the state cybersecurity council. He gave them the mandate to create a robust protection system that will ultimately safeguard quality of life for its citizens. He stated that the inauguration the State’s Cybersecurity Advisory Board is a significant step towards enhancing digital safety and advancing development agenda in the province.
“Given the escalating threat, it is essential for Lagos to implement an integrated cybersecurity protection strategy. The increasing use of digital tools presents both opportunities and risks for our development. The Governor said that today’s inauguration is in line with our goal to transform Lagos into a smart city, one that is livable and cyber-protected.
In his welcome speech, Tunbosun alake, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, stated that the Sanwo Olu administration had continued to improve technology and digital solutions, which would increase the quality of life of its citizens.
The commissioner stated that both the LASRIC Board and the State Cybersecurity Advisory Board are testaments to the Babajide Olusola SanwoOlu/Kadri ObafemiHamzat administrations commitment to innovation, science and technology, and protecting the state ecosystem.
In their addresses, Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya, Dr. Osakwe Feene, and the Chairmen of both newly inaugurated boards LASRIC and Cybersecurity, assured the government that they were committed to the mandate of this council to protect and promote science and technology, as well as cybersecurity in order to develop the ecosystem of state and its citizens.
The duo also added that technology and cyber security are crucial to the development of a country, particularly in achieving the goal of making Lagos a 21st century economy. They also said that the current administration is open to innovative ideas that will continue enhancing the economy of the State and as the fifth largest economy in Africa.
Chioma Kalu
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