JUST IN : Governor releases N1bn science, research innovation take off grant
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has inaugurated the newly constituted State Science, Research and Innovation Council, LASRIC, and Cybersecurity Advisory Board in its quest to advance scientific innovations with the sum of N1 billion take off grant.
The event that took place at the Lagos House, Ikeja, at the weekend, was presided over by Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who announced the take-off grant of N1Billion, for the effective commencement of the activities by the board.
Sanwo-Olu stated that his administration was committed to increasing the success metrics with the provision of LASRIC Seed fund.
According t him, “With the provision of LASRIC Seed fund to the tune of N1,000,000,000 in the first tranche payment to the council.
“We believe this fund would continue to catalyze development in our dear State.”
The Governor noted that the sustenance of the development of the State is the central focus of the present administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda, adding that to drive deeper positive economic outcomes, it was essential to establish an innovation, science, and technology body to manage and propel Lagos State’s engagement with the science and technology ecosystem.
Sanwo-Olu noted that within the research and development, LASRIC has supported more than 70 initiatives, ranging from projects in biomass and biodiesel to artificial intelligence for medical imaging, adding that “their efforts have increased innovation activity within the state by over 250 per cent.
The Governor, enumerated the key areas of responsibilities of the government to the newly recommissioned LASRIC board, which includes: Increased funding and support, collaboration and partnerships, capacity building, focus on local challenges, promotion of a culture of innovation, and LASRIC SEED FUND, adding that “all these areas will increase the ecosystem science, innovation, and technology of the state.”
Sanwo-Olu noted that the board is composed of experts from industry, academia, and the public sector, with the mission to deepen and expand innovation activities in Lagos.
While congratulating the newly constituted council, the governor stated that “It is my expectation that the new LASRIC being inaugurated today will work assiduously towards ensuring the realization of our collective goal and aspiration congratulate the Chairman and members of the Board for heeding the call to serve.
“I have no doubt in my mind that you will bring to bear on your new assignment your experience and expertise which informed your selection to serve the government and the people of Lagos State.”
In an earlier event, Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the state cybersecurity council, charging them with the mandate to establish a robust protection ecosystem that will ultimately safeguard the quality of life for all its citizens, stating that the inauguration of the State’s Cybersecurity Advisory Board marks a significant step in its commitment to enhancing digital security and advancing the development agenda in the state.
“Given these escalating threats, it is imperative for Lagos to implement a comprehensive cybersecurity protection strategy.
“The growing use of digital tools offers both opportunities and real-world risks to our development. Today’s inauguration aligns with our goal of transforming Lagos into a smart, livable, and cyber-protected city,” the Governor said.
Earlier, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Tobosun Alake, stressed that Sanwo-Olu administration has continued to enhance technology and digital solutions which will increase the quality of livelihood of its citizens.
The commissioner stated that the inauguration of both LASRIC Board and the State’s Cybersecurity Advisory Board was a testament to Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat administration’s commitment to innovation science and technology and protecting the state ecosystem.
Also, both Chairmen of the newly inaugurated boards, LASRIC, Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya and Cybersecurity, Dr. Osakwe Fene, assured the government of their commitments to the mandate of the council, to protect and promote cybersecurity, science and technology towards the development of the ecosystem of the state and its citizens.
The duo added that technology and cybersecurity are pivotal to the development of any country, especially in achieving the making Lagos a 21st-century economy goal, stressing that “the present administration is open to different innovative ideas that will continue to enhance the economy of the state and as the 5th largest economy in Africa.”
