GAT Summit 2022: Lagos State Creating And Encouraging Innovations – Sanwo-Olu

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has said that his government has been working and rolling out policies aimed at creating and encouraging innovations in the state.

Naija News reports that the Lagos State governor made this known on Thursday while speaking at the Government And Tech (GAT) Summit 2022 held at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos State.

Representing Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor Special Adviser on Innovation and Technology, Olatubosun Alake said that the present administration is determined to usher into the fourth industrial revolution and become a tech hub on the continent .

Delivering a keynote address tagged “Regulating for Prosperity: the Lagos Example,” Alake stated that “there exists a tremendous amount of potential to deliver real value for its citizens.”

According to him, Lagos State has been investing in innovations that include telemedicine, fiber optic networks, intelligent transport systems and other technological advancements.

Speaking further, the governor’s aide revealed that the new intelligent transport system will reduce physical communication with officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

While stating that all this will not be possible without regulations, the SA noted that, “one of the key factors for driving sustainable economic growth is regulation.”

He added that a balance must be struck” between citizens and regulators for the advancements to be made.

“When regulations are being formed, there are tons of factors that one must look at,” he said.

But, he said that the regulations will be in lockstep with the demands of the sector, stressing that “in Lagos, we are fully aware that regulations must be kept in steps of advancing the sector.”

He also praised the Nigerian Startup Bill recently passed by the National Assembly, saying that Lagos was very much involved in the process.

According to Alake, Lagos is working on domesticating the bill “so that the process is faster. So that startups don’t have any issues in terms of access to funding or incorporating their business.”

Other speakers at the event include the Director General of NITDA Kashifu Abdullahi, Chibozu Anthony Efobi, Bukola Olutayo, Bola Ajomale, William Phelps, Adewale Adeyipo, Similoluwa Opayemi and others.

Naija News reports that the panel sessions were moderated by Rufai Oseni, presenter with Arise TV; and Emmanuel Onwuka, presenter with Nigeria Info FM, Lagos.