Akinwale Akingbade, technology advocate and public policy analyst, has called for the urgent adoption of digital transformation initiatives as a cornerstone for development in Ondo State. In a comprehensive address shared with stakeholders and the public, he outlined a vision to reposition the state as a leader in innovation, digital governance, and economic inclusivity.
According to Akingbade, Ondo State, like many others in Nigeria, continues to grapple with systemic challenges in education, healthcare, governance, agriculture, and economic growth. He argued that embracing technology across all sectors will fast-track development, enhance service delivery, and ensure transparency.
“Integrating technology into governance and everyday life will not only improve the quality of life for citizens but also lay the foundation for a resilient, inclusive, and tech-driven economy,” Akingbade said.
Akingbade’s proposed roadmap includes six major pillars:
1. Digital Governance: Deploy e-governance platforms to streamline public services, enhance accountability, and introduce smart city initiatives for better urban management.
2. Economic Development: Establish technology hubs, promote e-commerce, support fintech adoption, and offer digital skills training to empower youth and drive entrepreneurship.
3. Education Advancement: Upgrade classrooms with smart tools, deploy e-learning platforms, digitize student records, and train teachers on the use of technology in instruction.
4. Healthcare Modernization: Implement telemedicine, digitize health records, develop mobile health apps, and introduce digital disease surveillance systems.
5. Smart Agriculture: Use mobile platforms for extension services, deploy drones and IoT devices in precision farming, and utilize blockchain for produce tracking and market transparency.
6. Infrastructure Development: Expand broadband access, install public Wi-Fi zones, build local data centers, and power digital infrastructure with renewable energy sources.
Each sector has a defined implementation timeline ranging from 1 to 6 years. Akingbade projects that the plan will lead to faster service delivery, reduced corruption, job creation, improved public health, better educational outcomes, and increased agricultural productivity.
Akingbade acknowledged possible obstacles to implementation, including:
Digital Divide: To be addressed through affordable internet access and widespread digital literacy campaigns.
Cybersecurity Risks: To be mitigated by instituting strong cybersecurity protocols and public education.
Resistance to Change: Countered with grassroots awareness campaigns across all demographic groups.
Funding Constraints: To be handled through a combination of government allocations, international grants, private sector investments, and public-private partnerships (PPPs).
While the detailed budget for the transformation plan is still being finalized, Akingbade noted that funding will be distributed across key sectors based on specific needs and strategic impact. He emphasized that the process mapping of current (“as-is”) and future (“to-be”) states of service delivery will guide the final budgeting.
“We are exploring various funding models, including government provisions, international development aid, and active collaboration with the private sector through PPPs,” he added.
Akingbade’s proposal reflects a growing consensus on the need to integrate digital transformation into Nigeria’s state-level development strategies. With proper execution, the plan has the potential to position Ondo State as a digital frontrunner and economic powerhouse in the region.
For further engagement, Akingbade can be reached at wakingbade@gmail.com
