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Digital Economy: Ogun will become Nigeria’ Silicon Valley soon – Pantami
Digital Economy: Ogun will become Nigeria’ Silicon Valley soon – Pantami
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), has predicted that Ogun State would emerge Nigeria’s Silicon Valley in the near future.
This potential, according to the Minister, is the adoption of Information and Communication Technology initiatives and its application in all sectors of the state economy.
Pantami gave this declaration when he and members of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), paid a courtesy call on the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, in his office, on Monday.
The minister acknowledged the giant strides recorded by the incumbent administration particularly in its various initiatives in digital economy.
“I am happy because you are passionate about IT development in Nigeria. We are happy with what you have done with ICT, particularly the giant strides in the digital economy. We have been following the activities of Ogun State TechHuB and it is commendable.
“Ogun State has so many IT professionals. Your initiatives are attracting more investors and I hope the state will emerge the Silicone Valley of this country in the near future”, the Minister submitted.
He acknowledged the contributions of IT in raising the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of many economically viable countries, observing that Silicone Valley alone has higher GDP than Qatar and Luxembourg.
While urging the state government to continue to leverage and take advantage of Information Technology so as to continue to remain as a reference for other states, Pantami pledged the support of his ministry and that of the Nigeria Computer Society to the state.
In his remarks, the President, Nigeria Computer Society, Prof. Simeon Sodiya, said the visit was to intimate the governor of the society’s international conference, with the theme, “Smart, Secure and Sustainable Nation”, holding in Abeokuta, the state capital.
He lauded the state government for using IT to drive governance which he noted, could be seen in the areas of land administration, finance, ICT hub, job portal, among others.
Sodiya stated that with what members of the Society have seen in Ogun in terms of IT usage by the government to implement its programmes, the conference would afford the Society the opportunity to come up with ideas capable of engendering further development of the state.
In his response, Governor Abiodun said the state was doing well in the area of IT as learners certificate number, digital curriculum and infrastructure in the education sector are now done digitally.
The governor, who noted the place of IT in the changing world, said that his administration has put a mechanism and infrastructure in place to enhance the conducive environment for business, submitting “this could not have been created without the use of Information Technology”.
He disclosed that the idea for ‘The Governor’s Challenge’ which was introduced at the Ogun TechHub was to identify the best brains in ICT and also a platform to divert youths with IT knowledge from using it in a negative form.
“We are using IT in every sector of our economy. We used IT called OGunTeach to reach out to our children during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have used IT to put Adire in the global market; you can buy Adire anywhere in the world now. In the judiciary, there is Virtual Court sitting and e-registration. We are also working towards having internet facilities in all government offices in the state”, he submitted.
Abiodun, however, commended the NCS for choosing Ogun for its conference, charging them to come up with programmes that would make knowledge of the computer accessible to all Nigerians.
The Lagos State Government, in its continued effort to promote cultural heritage and deepen tourism footprints, has concluded plans to host the Lagos Cultural Weekend.
A three-day cultural extravaganza, scheduled to take place across multiple strategic locations, including the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Freedom Park, National Theatre, Badagry Heritage Museum, Lekki Arts and Crafts Market, and Tafawa Balewa Square, from November 14th to November 16th, 2025.
This weekend-long celebration will spotlight the richness of Nigeria’s traditions through curated events that blend history, culture, and local artistry.
Speaking on the initiative, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, noted that the event is a key part of a broader framework of the Lagos Cultural Mission.
“We aim to use the Lagos Cultural Weekend as a true reflection of Lagos culture, a herescope for tourists and visitors from across the globe to witness just how rich our culture is.
“The three days will be a cultural baptism, a deep, meaningful introduction to who we are. As a government, we now understand prioritising cultural representation as a driver for economic growth.
”On the initiative’s impact, the Special Adviser explained that it goes beyond showcasing culture, but investing in cultural artisans, talented enthusiasts, and key stakeholders to foster real engagement and growth.“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration values collaboration and inclusiveness, which is why we want to work closely with Lagosians who truly understand our culture to help us achieve these goals.
“From the historians, to creatives, curators, artisans, culinary experts, performers, fashion designers, community leaders, and traditional institutions, we need them to join us in making a lasting impact.“So that, in the end, our guests and friends from many nations will carry home an authentic story of Lagos and enriched cultural literacy,” Mr. Aregbe said.
Attendees will enjoy array of activities, including live music performances, DIY sessions, contemporary art exhibitions, traditional dance showcases, fashion shows, culinary tastings, and craft demonstrations.
Also lined up are symposiums and cultural lectures designed for tourists and enthusiasts who wish to dive deeper into the Lagos cultural identity.
The weekend will be animated by diverse local performance groups representing the rich ethnic landscape of Lagos, with a special emphasis on language, literature, and indigenous storytelling.
Lagos Cultural Weekend 2025 reaffirms the state’s commitment to building a thriving creative economy while celebrating the depth of Nigerian traditions.
Through strategic partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and community engagement, this initiative will set a new benchmark for inclusive cultural programming in Lagos and Africa at large.
Lagos Cultural Mission….Preserving Our Heritage, Advancing The Future
Aare Adetola Emmanuel King Congratulates Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on Election Victory
The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King KOF, has congratulated Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on her resounding victory in the just-concluded by-election for the Remo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
In a goodwill message issued by him, he described the victory as “a historic moment for the Remo people, coming at a time when the constituency yearns for a leader with vision, courage, and genuine commitment to service.”
He noted that the outcome of the election was an attestation to the trust and confidence reposed in Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji by the people, adding that her sterling qualities, integrity, accessibility, and compassion for the grassroots had endeared her to the electorate.
“The overwhelming support you garnered at the polls is proof that you are the right voice at the right time to carry the aspirations of Remo to the national stage,” he stated.
While acknowledging that the by-election followed the painful demise of the late Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga (Ijaya), Aare Adetola Emmanuel King said Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji’s emergence symbolizes the continuity of purposeful representation. He expressed confidence that she would not only sustain the legacy of her predecessor but also surpass it with new energy, innovative ideas, and progressive leadership.
The Adron Group Chairman further prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and compassion for the Member-Elect as she assumes office, expressing confidence that her tenure will usher in meaningful development, economic empowerment, and greater opportunities for the people of Remo Federal Constituency.
Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84
Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammed Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, has congratulated former military president, Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, rtd, who is 84 today.
Olowu, in a statement he signed, eulogised the former military ruler for his modest achievements while he was in power.
According to Olowu, ” IBB is an enigma. He has carved a niche for himself as a former military president. His tenure witnessed the completion of many monumental legacy projects that are still visible today. His Hill Top Mansion in Minna has become a Mecca of sorts for those who aspired to lead Nigeria.”
Olowu, who described Gen Babangida as being grossly misunderstood, said history would be kind to him.
He said, “The launch of Gen Babangida’s Autobiography: ‘A Journey In Service’, and the testimonies from the likes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Abdusalam Rabiu, Oil Magnate, Arthur Eze, and many others, testified to his goodwill despite leaving public office three decades ago.
” On behalf of myself, my Oloris and Olowu-In-Council.
All members of the defunct IBB Vision 2003 and Vision 2007, I wish President Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, a happy birthday. I also wish him all the best as he aged gracefully,” Olowu added.
Born on August 17, 1941, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.
His presidency was marked by significant political and economic reforms.
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