To boost scientific innovation in Lagos State, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has inaugurated the newly constituted Lagos State Scientific Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) and Cybersecurity Advisory Committee, with a start-up grant of One Billion Naira to effectively kick-start the work of the committees.
The announcement of the take-off grant was made at an inauguration ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the Lagos House, Ikeja, and presided over by the Deputy Governor, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.
According to a statement signed by Mr Tunde Alao, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sanwo-Olu, the governor said his administration was committed to improving success indicators with the provision of the LASRIC seed fund.
He further stated that “with the provision of the LASRIC Seed Fund worth One Billion Naira as the first disbursement to the Assembly, we have confidence that the fund will continue to drive the development of our dear state.”
The Governor noted that sustained development in the state was a central focus of the current administration’s THEMES Plus agenda, adding that in order to drive more favourable economic outcomes, it was imperative to establish an Innovation, Science and Technology Agency to manage and drive Lagos State’s engagement in the science and technology ecosystem.
He noted that in the research and development sector, LASRIC has supported more than 70 initiatives ranging from biomass and biodiesel projects to artificial intelligence for medical imaging, adding that “their efforts have led to a more than 250% increase in innovation activity in the state.”
The Governor enumerated the key areas of responsibility of his administration to the newly re-appointed LASRIC Board of Directors including increased funding and support, collaboration and partnerships, capacity building, focus on regional challenges, promotion of innovation culture and the LASRIC SEED FUND, adding that all these areas will enhance ecosystem science, innovation and technology in the state.
Sanwo-Olu said the committee is made up of experts from industry, academia and the public sector, with a mandate to deepen and expand innovation activities in Lagos.
While congratulating the newly constituted Council, the Governor said, “I expect the new LASRIC that is inaugurated today to work diligently towards the realisation of our common goals and aspirations. I congratulate the Chairman and all members of the Board for answering the call. I have no doubt that you will bring to your new assignments the experience and expertise that led you to choose to serve the Lagos State Government and the people of the state.”
Speaking at an earlier event, Governor Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the State Cybersecurity Council, tasking it with establishing a strong protective ecosystem that would ultimately safeguard the quality of life of all citizens of the state, describing the inauguration of the State Cybersecurity Advisory Committee as a significant step in efforts to strengthen digital security in the state and advance development agenda.
“Given these growing threats, it is imperative that Lagos implements a comprehensive cybersecurity protection strategy. The increased use of digital tools poses both opportunities and real risks to our development. Today’s inauguration is in line with our objective of transforming Lagos into a smart, liveable and cyber-secure city,” the governor said.
Earlier, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Tunbosun Alake, in his welcome address, said the Sanwo-Olu administration continues to strengthen technology and digital solutions that will improve the quality of life of the people.
The commissioner noted that the inauguration of the Lagos State Scientific Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) Board and the State Cybersecurity Advisory Committee was testimony to the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu/Kadri Obafemi Hamzat administration’s commitment to science and technology innovation and safeguarding the state’s ecosystem.
Also speaking, the two Chairmen of the newly inaugurated LASRIC and Cybersecurity Committee, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya and Dr. Osakwe Faneh, assured the government to fulfil the mandate of the council to safeguard and promote cybersecurity, science and technology towards the development of the ecosystem of the state and its people.
They added that technology and cybersecurity are crucial to the development of any country, especially in achieving the goal of making Lagos a 21st century economy, adding that the current administration welcomes various innovative ideas to continuously uplift the state’s economy and become the fifth largest economy in Africa.
Chioma Kalu
follow me: