By Sola Obagbemisoye
The Ondo State Government has unveiled its plan to harness the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve governance efficiency, boost economic growth, enhance productivity, and promote citizens’ welfare across the state.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of a two-day summit on the adoption of AI in Akure, the state capital, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa — represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun — described technology as a critical driver of modern development. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustained investment in digital infrastructure and human capital development.
“AI is no longer a distant dream; it is a powerful tool already transforming governance around the world,” the governor stated. “Our future lies in the effective deployment of AI to enhance service delivery, boost productivity, and build an inclusive and innovative society.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa urged all stakeholders to embrace AI responsibly, stressing that inclusivity and transparency in its implementation are key to achieving its intended impact.
“This journey is not about replacing humans,” he said. “It is about amplifying human potential, creating jobs, and building a culture of innovation that secures the future of our people.”
The two-day summit, themed “Driving Governance Efficiency and Inclusive Development Through Responsible AI Adoption,” was organized by the Ondo State Information Technology Agency (SITA) in partnership with stakeholders from the public and private sectors, academia, civil society, and the tourism industry.
Welcoming participants, the Executive Chairman of SITA, Hon. Tomide Akinribido, described the summit as a decisive step in the state’s digital transformation journey. He emphasized that the initiative aims to position Ondo State as a frontrunner in Africa’s AI revolution.
“We are not merely discussing technology,” Akinribido said. “We are shaping the state’s position in the Fourth Industrial Revolution — from public administration to agriculture, education, and healthcare. The goal is simple: to make Ondo State not just a consumer but a creator of technology.”
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of SITA, Dr. (Mrs.) Folukemi Aladenola, said AI adoption would enable the state to enhance project monitoring, detect financial anomalies, and strengthen critical sectors for better results. She disclosed that SITA is already collaborating with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive blueprint for AI deployment across the state to drive rapid socio-economic transformation.
Delivering the keynote address, the Executive Director of Promad Infotech Foundation, Mr. Daisi Omokungbe, explored strategies and frameworks for AI adoption in the public sector. He emphasized that when deployed ethically and strategically, AI can foster transparency, accountability, and efficiency in governance.
“With responsible AI integration, public servants can automate repetitive tasks, improve decision-making, and focus on higher-value problem-solving,” Omokungbe noted. “Ondo State stands at the threshold of becoming Nigeria’s model for AI-driven governance.”
He proposed a three-phase adoption strategy centered on capacity building, scalable pilot projects, and inclusive stakeholder participation, recommending that at least 2,500 civil servants be trained in AI applications by 2027.
Throughout the summit, policymakers, tech entrepreneurs, innovators, and academics engaged in thought-provoking discussions on AI ethics, cybersecurity, e-governance, digital economy frameworks, and skills development. Participants, divided into five groups, presented AI-driven solutions to challenges in public service, agriculture, health, education, and the creative industry.
Dignitaries at the summit included the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Afolabi Adesoji; Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tob Loko; Chairman, Ondo State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Bayo Rojugbokan; Chairman, Ose Local Government, Barr. Kolapo Ojo; Chairman, Ondo State Waste Management Authority, Mrs. Yinka Alabi; Director General, Ondo State Media Group, Mr. Kenneth Odusola; Chairman, Ondo North-West LCDA, Hon. Onidare Sunday Bukunmi; SSA to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Comrade Femi Lawson; and Director General, Ondo State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Abiodun Oyeneyin.
Also in attendance were the Chairman of the Body of Permanent Secretaries, Chief Bunmi Alade, and several permanent secretaries from the Ministries of Commerce and Industry, Finance, and Environment, as well as the Deputy Governor’s Office, Government House and Protocol, among others.
