In his first year in office, Honorable Tunbosun Alake, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology in Lagos State, has made remarkable strides in advancing the state's digital infrastructure and innovation landscape. His efforts are marked by the forthcoming Lagos Innovation Policy Engagement on May 24th and the establishment of a robust Cybersecurity Advisory Board.
Lagos Innovation Policy Engagement
The Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology is pleased to announce an upcoming Innovation Policy Engagement event aimed at fostering collaboration and gathering valuable insights from key stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem. This pivotal event is set to take place on Friday, May 24th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Eko Innovation Centre, located at 50, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The primary objective of the event is to review and gather inputs on the first draft of the Lagos Innovation Bill. This collaborative workshop will serve as a platform to brainstorm and develop ideas that will significantly enhance the pace of innovation within Lagos State. The Ministry has extended an exclusive invitation to esteemed stakeholders within the innovation ecosystem, recognizing that their presence and insights are crucial to shaping the future of innovation in Lagos State. The collective contributions from this event are anticipated to play a critical role in establishing Lagos as a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Lagos Innovation Policy Engagement seeks to:
Elevate Lagos as a global innovation hub by fostering a conducive environment for technological advancements.
Stimulate the growth of the digital economy to strengthen the state's economic framework.
Promote research excellence by supporting emerging startups, students, and other budding innovators.
Create sector-specific hubs and mentorship programs to nurture and guide startups.
Enhance Lagos's international reputation as a prime location for research and innovation activities.
The policy also proposes the formation of the Lagos State Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC), tasked with overseeing the implementation of these initiatives and ensuring effective management of research and innovation funding.
Launch of the Cybersecurity Advisory Board
In response to the increasing cyber threats accompanying Lagos's digital transformation, Commissioner Alake has played a pivotal role in establishing the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Board. This initiative aims to develop and maintain a comprehensive cybersecurity program to protect the state's digital assets.
According to Gbenga Omotoso, the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, the board comprises eminent experts in cybersecurity, including:
Dr. Osakwe Fene, is an Amazon bestselling author and 2023 Global Cyber Educator of the Year.
Mr. Taiye Lambo, the first Chief Information Security Officer for the City of Atlanta.
Dr. Bharat Soni from Guaranty Trust Bank Plc.
Chineye Chizea from the World Bank/Federal Government of Nigeria Digital Identification for Development project.
Ben Oguntala, former Cyber Security Project Manager at NFU Mutual Insurance UK.
Dr. Obadare Adewale, Co-Founder of Digital Encode.
The board also includes representatives from the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Ministry of Justice, Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), and the Police, showcasing a multidisciplinary approach.
The Cybersecurity Advisory Board's mandate involves:
Advising on policy development to enhance Lagos's cybersecurity framework.
Planning and refining cybersecurity programs to mitigate risks from global connectivity and cloud services.
Implementing training initiatives to build a skilled workforce capable of tackling cybersecurity challenges.
Commissioner Omotoso highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, "As Lagos State transitions to a global digital future, a robust cybersecurity framework is essential to protect sensitive data and personal information."
Progressing Towards a Digital Future
Under Commissioner Alake's creative leadership, Lagos State is making tremendous progress on its Smart City program, which is part of the THEMES Plus program. The establishment of the Cybersecurity Advisory Board and the near launch of the Innovation Bill are critical milestones toward maintaining a safe and resilient digital infrastructure.
Commissioner Alake's achievements in his first year, underscore his dedication to driving innovation and technological advancement in Lagos State. His initiatives are set to transform Lagos into a leading research and innovation hub, fostering economic growth and solidifying the state's position in the global digital economy.
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