Osun to leverage AI for industrial growth

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has disclosed plans by his administration to leverage Artificial Intelligence for accelerated industrial development of the state.

Adeleke also declared that he has surpassed his predecessors in the area of promoting local content, adding that his administration’s major infrastructural projects were being handled by indigenous contractors.

He said this on Tuesday during the opening of Osun Trade Fair 2024 at Aje International Market, Ido-Osun, Osun State.

Represented by his deputy, Mr. Kola Adewusi, the governor said the trade fair has created an opportunity to exchange information and business ideas.

He added that part of the effort of his administration to boost business capacity in the state was the quick processing of Certificates of Occupancy, which are now issued within a 45-day window.

He added, “While the current industrial policy is being vigorously implemented, we plan to review the policy to accommodate new realities occasioned by modern innovations and Artificial Intelligence.

“This year’s event is planned to provide a good platform for exchange of information and business ideas, trade and market opportunities.  The theme of this Trade Fair aligns with part of our administration’s five-point agenda which includes boosting the state’s economy through agro-based industrialisation for wealth and job creation.

“I am proud to announce that our administration has set an unrivalled record in the promotion and commitment to local content development. Our major infrastructural projects are handled by local contractors. We are building up our indigenous companies to handle major jobs outside the state. Our local engineers are fully engaged in all facets of the construction processes.

“We seek to stop capital flights, thereby ensuring a financially vibrant local economy that contributes to the fight against poverty and underdevelopment,” he added.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Bunmi Jenyo, said Nigeria must find a way to stop its over-reliance on oil.

Jenyo said the current administration was working to change the narrative of Osun from being a core civil service state to an industrialised one.