Babajide Sanwo-Olu Archives - Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng/tag/babajide-sanwo-olu/ Tech | Business | Economy Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:34:36 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.1 https://techeconomy.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/cropped-techeconomy-logo-32x32.jpeg Babajide Sanwo-Olu Archives - Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng/tag/babajide-sanwo-olu/ 32 32 WITESA 2026 Honours STEM Leaders as Lagos, EU Push for More Women in Technology and Engineering https://techeconomy.ng/witesa-2026-honours-stem-leaders-lagos-eu-women-technology/ https://techeconomy.ng/witesa-2026-honours-stem-leaders-lagos-eu-women-technology/#respond Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:18:25 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=184139 The fifth edition of WITESA concluded in Lagos with calls for greater participation of women in technology and engineering, while recognising outstanding innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and technology leaders driving Africa's digital transformation.

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Africa cannot afford to leave half of its talent behind if it hopes to compete in the evolving global economy, speakers at the fifth edition of the Women in Technology and Engineering Summit and Awards (WITESA 2026) stressed as the two-day event concluded in Lagos with an awards ceremony celebrating women transforming the continent’s technology and engineering sector.

WITESA 2026 Honours STEM Leaders as
Motunrayo Opayinka, CEO of Womenovate and Convener of WITESA 2026

Organised by Womenovate in partnership with Tech Revolution Africa, the summit brought together policymakers, technology leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, engineers, academics and innovators to explore this year’s theme, “Engineering Africa’s Future: Innovation, Infrastructure and Inclusive Technology.”

Delivering the goodwill message of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Cecilia Bolaji Dada, said the continued exclusion of women from science, technology and innovation creates significant economic consequences.

Africa cannot fully realise its potential if half of its talent is left behind. Women constitute a significant portion of our population, yet they remain underrepresented in many areas of science, technology, engineering, and innovation. This is not merely a gender issue, it is an economic issue, a development issue, and a competitiveness issue.”

She noted that over the past five years, WITESA has helped create a growing network of female innovators, entrepreneurs, engineers and technology leaders contributing to Africa’s development through mentorship, skills development and professional advancement.

The commissioner said Lagos State remains committed to creating opportunities that allow innovation to thrive through investments in digital infrastructure, research, entrepreneurship and technology-enabled governance.

Every time a talented young woman is unable to access quality education, mentorship, funding, or opportunities in the technology ecosystem, we all lose, we all lose ideas, we lose innovation, we lose solutions to some of our most pressing challenges, and that is why inclusion must remain at the centre of our development agenda.”

The summit’s focus on inclusion was reiterated at the event, particularly as stakeholders examined how technology can drive economic growth while being accessible to women, young people and underserved communities.

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, highlighted the need to close the digital divide across Nigeria.

Today as we discuss engineering inclusive growth in the digital age. We must recognise that technology is shaping the future of nations, economies, and societies. However, for growth to be meaningful, it must be inclusive.”

He acknowledged Lagos State’s leadership in digital transformation but stressed that many communities still struggle with internet access, electricity, digital literacy and affordability of technology.

Bridging this digital divide requires deliberate action from the government, the private sector, educational institutions, and society. We must invest in broadband infrastructure, digital education, skills development, and policies with technology accessible to women, youth, small businesses, and underserved communities.”

The deputy governor added that technology should become a tool for job creation, empowerment and improved quality of life across Nigeria.

Gautier Mignot, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, described investment in women in science, technology and engineering as one of the smartest decisions any society can make.

He commended Womenovate and its partners for building a platform that connects policymakers, investors, innovators, students and industry leaders around critical conversations on digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, fintech and engineering.

These awards matter. They matter for at least three reasons, recognition, representation, and responsibility.”

According to the ambassador, visibility is crucial in inspiring more girls and young women to pursue careers in STEM fields.

Celebrating success must go hand in hand with a commitment to change the systems that make that success so hard.”

He further urged governments, companies, universities and development partners to take concrete actions that make it easier for women to study, innovate, lead and build businesses within the technology ecosystem.

At the heart of the summit was a celebration of women already reshaping industries and breaking barriers.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Motunrayo Opayinka, CEO of Womenovate and Convener of WITESA 2026, said the platform was created to recognise the often-overlooked contributions of women across STEM disciplines.

This year is to celebrate your contributions to the STEM sector. It’s not an easy fit. I always tell people, for a woman to attain what she’s attained, she’s worked twice harder than a male counterpart. So take your roses, you deserve it.”

She explained that the award process was based on public nominations, revealing the impact recipients have made within their respective sectors.

It was a public nomination, so it speaks greatly to your contributions, and also to let you know that people know people are looking and your efforts are recognised.”

Providing an overview of the summit, Glory Olamigoke, Co-founder and Director of Tech Revolution Africa and Co-convener of WITESA 2026, highlighted the conference’s growing influence in advancing female leadership across technology and engineering.

The first day of the summit featured keynote sessions, fireside chats, startup showcases and conversations with leading women executives from across the digital economy.

Ten female-founded startups participated in a pitch competition, with the top three receiving a combined grant support of N500,000.

Thirty, forty, fifty years back it wasn’t common to find women playing in the technology and engineering space, but that has changed now. Not only are women being represented, they are also taking the charge, they are leading, and they are causing radical growth and impact across the ecosystem,” Olamigoke said.

The WITESA 2026 awards ceremony recognised outstanding individuals whose work continues to enhance Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and inspire the next generation.

Among the recipients were Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who received the Public Sector Engineering Leader of the Year (Male) Award; Professor Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, who won the Research Excellence Award in STEM; Oluwatosin Olaseinde, Founder and CEO of Money Africa and Ladda, named Female Innovator of the Year; and Odunayo Eweniyi, Co-founder of PiggyVest, who received the FinTech Innovation Award.

Other awardees included Damilola Olokesusi, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Shuttlers; Confidence Staveley, Founder and Executive Director of Cybersafe Foundation; Kemisola Bolarinwa, Founder and CEO of Nextwear Technologies; Adora Nwodo, engineering leader and author; Dr Success Ojo, Co-founder and CEO of GMIND AI; Bisola Alabi, Founder of Heels & Tech; Oluwatobi Otokiti, Vice President of Product at Raenest and Founder of Productive; and Bukola Ajayi, Chief Information Officer at MTN Nigeria.

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MTN Nigeria’s Support for Education Excites Lagos State Government https://techeconomy.ng/mtn-nigerias-support-for-education-excites-lagos-state-government/ https://techeconomy.ng/mtn-nigerias-support-for-education-excites-lagos-state-government/#respond Thu, 30 Jun 2022 17:09:00 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=77724 “Our model of investment is informed by the desire to entrench 21st century technology into the sector..." Sanwo-Olu

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Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, has commended MTN Nigeria’s support for e-learning in primary and secondary schools across the state.

Sanwo-Olu gave the commendation at the second edition of the Education Summit, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Office of Sustainable Development Goals and Investment (SDGI) at the Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday June 23, 2022.

The Governor, who was represented by the deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat noted that the past three years have witnessed tremendous improvement in the overall value chain of the education ecosystem.

According to him, “Our model of investment is informed by the desire to entrench 21st century technology into the sector. This huge investment will ultimately result in significant improvement in learning outcomes’’.

“Our administration also seeks to recognise and appreciate the tremendous contribution and donations of various private partners who supported the State Government’s Education Transformation Plan, most especially during the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown of schools,” he added.

In June 2020, MTN Nigeria commenced a free data offer enabling primary and secondary school students in various states to access educational content. The intervention was done in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, allowing primary and secondary school students access to virtual lessons and exam prep.

The resources available cover all primary and secondary school subjects and over ten years of past questions from key examinations, including the First School Leaving Certificate exams, West African Senior School Certificate exams, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board exams, among others; as well as access to learning portals such as Pass.ng, Roducate, mAcademy, among others.

Speaking on the award, the Chief Enterprise Business Officer, MTN Nigeria, Lynda Saint-Nwafor said, “We are humbled by the recognition from the Lagos State Government and are pleased by how well our support was received by the Ministry of Education. At MTN, we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life and will continue to provide opportunities that support students to learn and shine.”

Other private sector organisations recognised at the event include First Bank of Nigeria, FMDQ Group, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, among others.

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Osinbajo, Sanwo-Olu Urge Africans to “Be the Capital” as ABAN Marks 10 Years of Driving Early-Stage Investment in Lagos https://techeconomy.ng/aban-2025-osinbajo-sanwo-olu-urge-africans-to-invest-locally/ https://techeconomy.ng/aban-2025-osinbajo-sanwo-olu-urge-africans-to-invest-locally/#respond Mon, 20 Oct 2025 11:54:02 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=169598 At the Africa Business Angel Network (ABAN) Congress 2025 in Lagos, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged Africans to “be the capital” by investing in homegrown startups.

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Every cheque that you write into an African startup is more than an investment. It’s a vote of confidence in our ability to solve our own problems,” said Nigeria’s former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, at the Africa Business Angel Network (ABAN) Annual Congress 2025 held in Lagos from October 17-18.

It was a fitting homecoming for Africa’s startup sector. Ten years after ABAN was born to unite early-stage investors across the continent, the movement returned to where Africa’s entrepreneurs thrive the hardest, Lagos.

The 2025 ABAN Annual Congress, themed “Accelerating Local Capital Participation,” gathered hundreds of founders, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem enablers to tackle the question of “Who really funds Africa’s future?”

Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Lagos State commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, described the city, with 23 million people and more than 2,000 active startups, as a living, breathing symbol of African ambition. 

Lagos stands as the commercial heartbeat of Africa and a city of boundless enterprise, boundless resilience and boundless innovation,” she said, welcoming the continent’s top angel investors.

She also noted the city contributes over 30% to Nigeria’s GDP and houses 65% of its industrial activity, but its actual power lies in what it’s building, a model megacity driven by innovation, not just infrastructure.

Through reforms, Lagos has simplified business registration, created startup funds, and is now developing the Lagos State Medical Innovation Industrial Zone, Ikorodu Industrial Hub, and a new International Convention Centre.

Beyond the numbers, Lagos State is a story of determination, creativity, and possibility,” Ambrose-Medebem said. “It is where ideas become industries and where vision meets execution.”

ABAN Congress 2025, 10th Anniversary

Osinbajo: Believe Before You Build

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, speaking on the heart of Africa’s funding dilemma, said, Without local belief and resilience, there is no local validation. Unless there is local belief and resilience, why should anyone invest in us?”

He challenged investors to become “the capital that understands the context, stays through the storm, mentors, guides, and builds companies designed to last in Africa or after that.”

When we invest locally, we are not just funding startups, we are funding our own future.”

A Reality Check for Africa’s Angels

That future, however, still faces major gaps, as Khaled Ismail, chairman of HIMAngels, pointed out in his session on The State of Angel Investing in Africa.

He revealed that Africa now counts around 6,000 angel investors, up from barely a hundred a decade ago. Yet, only 10% of them are actively investing.

Imagine all of those 6,000 were investing. Imagine how big the ecosystem would have grown,” he said.

The continent’s average angel investment ticket sits at $3,500 per year, compared to $15,000 in India, a country with the same population but five times more investors. That gap, Ismail argued, has ripple effects across the entire ecosystem.

That’s 20 times more angel capital being poured into India’s ecosystem compared to Africa’s,” he said. “And it’s no surprise that they have more unicorns and exits, their base is simply bigger.”

But beyond the numbers, Ismail reminded us what true angel investing really means.

“It’s not just about making money. It’s about giving back, mentoring, sharing experience. If you don’t get involved, it will never happen,” he said. “Just putting your money and sleeping on it will not get you there.”

He called for better alignment between angels, founders, and venture capitalists, and for new clauses that let angels exit early when venture funding arrives, freeing up funds for fresh investments.

If angels don’t exit, they won’t invest again,” he warned. “And if they don’t invest again, the pipeline breaks.”

Ten Years On: A Movement Grows

Commendably, ABAN also celebrated those who are building that pipeline. Adedotun Sulaiman was named Angel Investor of the Year, while Core Angels MEA received Angel Network of the Year.

For an ecosystem once dependent on foreign backing, the progress is concrete, but the work is far from over. Africa’s next decade of growth will depend on building confidence, capital, and collaboration at home.

In Osinbajo’s words, “Let’s first be believers.”

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GITEX NIGERIA 2025: ‘Cashless Policy Created Gaps Nigerian Startups Rushed to Fill’ — Kashifu https://techeconomy.ng/gitex-nigeria-2025-cashless-policy-fuelled-fintech-boom/ https://techeconomy.ng/gitex-nigeria-2025-cashless-policy-fuelled-fintech-boom/#respond Fri, 05 Sep 2025 09:28:21 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=166515 He expatiated that Lagos is not just the nation’s commercial hub but also a global crucible of innovation, where limited infrastructure has never stopped startups from scaling into billion-dollar companies

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Nigeria has produced five of Africa’s nine tech unicorns, and Lagos, now hosting GITEX NIGERIA 2025 for the first time, has been described as the continent’s technology capital.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), stated that the event is a turning point in Nigeria’s role in building the “future economy.” 

He expatiated that Lagos is not just the nation’s commercial hub but also a global crucible of innovation, where limited infrastructure has never stopped startups from scaling into billion-dollar companies.

This is a declaration that Nigeria is ready to lead the future economy. We have shown resilience where others relied on capital and infrastructure. We turned necessity into opportunity.”

He credited government policy decisions, such as the cashless initiative first piloted in Lagos in 2012, as a catalyst for the explosion of fintech innovation. That move, he said, created the gaps Nigerian startups rushed to fill, driving the country’s distinction in Africa’s fintech sector.

Abdullahi noted that while fintech has been Nigeria’s “rocket fuel,” the nation’s goals are not limited to financial services. He pointed to opportunities in agriculture, healthcare, and security as the next frontiers, stressing that with the right opportunities, Nigerian talent can compete with any city or nation worldwide.

GITEX NIGERIA 2025, organised under the patronage of the Federal Government and in partnership with the Lagos State Government, is designed to showcase those opportunities. Abdullahi revealed that Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had first envisioned bringing GITEX to Lagos after being impressed by its scale in Morocco two years ago.

Today, that challenge has become a reality,” he said. “We are not waiting for the future to happen, we are building it here in Lagos.”

He also urged global investors and innovators to take part in Nigeria’s transformation. “We have done it in fintech. We will do it in agriculture, in health, in security. Whether with you or without you, this journey will continue. But this is your opportunity to be part of it.”

This obvious blend of ambition, resilience, and youthful innovation in Lagos shows its becoming the engine of Nigeria’s economy and the epicentre of Africa’s digital future.

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GITEX 2025: $6bn Investments, Home to 70% of Africa’s Unicorns | Sanwo-Olu Hails Lagos as Africa’s Tech Hub https://techeconomy.ng/gitex-nigeria-2025-lagos-tech-capital-investment/ https://techeconomy.ng/gitex-nigeria-2025-lagos-tech-capital-investment/#comments Wed, 03 Sep 2025 19:30:43 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=166440 He stated that “Lagos is the only place where a Hausa boy can dream in his mother tongue, code in Java, pitch in Yoruba, and be understood in English.”

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described Lagos as the city where diversity fuels innovation.

He stated that “Lagos is the only place where a Hausa boy can dream in his mother tongue, code in Java, pitch in Yoruba, and be understood in English.”

The Governor made the statement on Tuesday while addressing global technology leaders, investors, and policymakers at the opening of GITEX NIGERIA 2025 in Lagos, the first time the global technology showpiece is being hosted in the city.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos’ strength lies not only in its infrastructure but in its people, a melting pot of cultures that has birthed some of Africa’s most innovative startups. 

GITEX NIGERIA 2025

He revealed that more than 70% of all African unicorns trace their roots back to Lagos, stressing the state’s role as the continent’s innovation hub.

Lagos is not just a city for today; it is Africa’s innovation nerve centre and a launchpad for Africa’s tomorrow,” the Governor said, adding that the state’s model of governance is increasingly digital, inclusive, and data-driven.

Between 2019 and 2024, Lagos attracted over $6 billion in foreign investment into its startup ecosystem, while submarine cables, hyperscale data centres, and fibre rollouts have positioned the city as Nigeria’s undisputed technology capital.

He highlighted practical innovations already changing daily life, such as the state’s Blue Line Rail, which has carried over five million passengers in its first two years of operation. 

The rail system is powered by the Cowry Card, a unified transport payment platform designed by young Nigerian engineers in their late 20s. The card now works seamlessly across trains, buses, taxis, and waterways, providing a model for locally built, scalable solutions.

Sanwo-Olu also pointed to the Lagos Science and Research Fund, which provides grants of between ₦50 million and ₦80 million to promising startups. Some of these companies, he noted, have already represented Lagos at GITEX exhibitions in Dubai and Marrakesh, proving that the city’s ideas can compete on the global stage.

The Governor invited participants to visit the Lagos Pavilion at the expo, which showcases the state’s advancements in edu-health, edu-tech, green energy, and smart mobility solutions. He said these initiatives demonstrate the government’s priority to solve real-world challenges through digital innovation while empowering young people to take the lead in building the city’s future.

Sanwo-Olu emphasised that GITEX NIGERIA 2025 was not just about technology but about forging alliances that would define Africa’s digital growth. “The future economy is not dictated by geography,” he said. “It must be co-created through partnerships across borders.”

The event drew international delegations from Dubai, Sweden, and beyond, as well as leading technology giants including Cisco, IBM, and MTN, alongside thousands of entrepreneurs and innovators presenting Africa’s next big ideas.

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LAMATA, NRC Harness Technology to Build Seamless Travel Experience with Integrated Ticketing https://techeconomy.ng/lamata-nrc-harness-technology-to-build-seamless-travel-experience/ https://techeconomy.ng/lamata-nrc-harness-technology-to-build-seamless-travel-experience/#comments Tue, 26 Aug 2025 17:01:08 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=165851 On a bright morning in Lagos, the hum of the city’s growing rail network met the footsteps of two teams united by a shared vision: to make train travel in Nigeria as seamless as tapping a card or scanning a phone. The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) are […]

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On a bright morning in Lagos, the hum of the city’s growing rail network met the footsteps of two teams united by a shared vision: to make train travel in Nigeria as seamless as tapping a card or scanning a phone.

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) are joining forces to make this vision real, harnessing technology to build an integrated ticketing system that puts passenger convenience at the center of mobility.

The partnership took shape during a recent visit by Dr. Kayode Opeifa, the managing director of NRC, to LAMATA’s rail facilities.

LAMATA and NRC leveraging technology for travel experience
Dr. Kayode Opeifa, managing director of NRC visits LAMATA’s rail facilities

Welcomed by Engr. Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, LAMATA’s managing director, the delegation toured some of the state’s most transformative rail assets, the Marina Train Station, the Blue Line Independent Power Plant (IPP), the Red Line’s Oyingbo Station, and the Security Control Center. Each stop reflected how technology is redefining Lagos’ urban mobility story.

For Dr. Opeifa, the future of train travel lies in integration.

“We are developing a ticketing system that will link the federal payment gateway with Lagos State’s electronic fare collection system,” he explained. “This means commuters will no longer need to juggle multiple tickets or payment platforms. With one system, travel will be smarter, easier, and more efficient.”

Engr. Akinajo echoed this vision of technology-driven convenience, noting that LAMATA is deliberately building connections at critical interchanges such as Agbado and Agege.

“Seamless mobility is our focus,” she said. “By linking systems and networks, we are ensuring that a passenger can move from one end of Lagos to another without unnecessary barriers. This is how cities of the future function, and Lagos is on that path.”

She also pointed to the Blue Line’s impressive 99% uptime since launch, a testament to how technology is powering reliability in Lagos’ modern rail system.

Backed by the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, LAMATA is not just building rail lines, it is building confidence in public transport through consistent service and smart integration.

LAMATA and NRC leveraging technology for travel experience
LAMATA monitoring system

The strengthened partnership between LAMATA and NRC goes beyond infrastructure, it is about creating a travel experience where technology serves the commuter. From integrated ticketing to real-time monitoring, both organisations are shaping a future where Lagosians can rely on public transport that is safe, efficient, and digitally connected.

For millions of daily commuters, this means more than convenience. It is the promise of a Lagos where transport is not just a necessity, but a smooth, tech-driven experience that fuels productivity, trust, and growth.

[Source]

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Lagos to Digitise House Numbering, Targets Tax Evasion, and Poor Emergency Access https://techeconomy.ng/lagos-identity-poject-to-digitise-house-numbering/ https://techeconomy.ng/lagos-identity-poject-to-digitise-house-numbering/#respond Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:41:22 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=161704 The goal is to enhance taxation, safety, prevent rental fraud, and improve urban planning in governance as well as public service delivery.

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In a bid to overhaul how properties are identified and accessed across Nigeria’s most densely populated state, the Lagos State Government has launched a digital house numbering initiative called the Lagos Identity Project.

The goal is to enhance taxation, safety, prevent rental fraud, and improve urban planning in governance as well as public service delivery.

The unveiling took place in Alausa and was led by Dr Olajide Babajide, special adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Enterprise Geographic Information System (e-GIS). 

The state is starting with a pilot rollout in Eti-Osa Local Government Area and aims to scale across all 57 LGAs and LCDAs once initial results are reviewed.

Unlike traditional address systems, the Lagos Identity Project embeds QR codes into address plates. Each plate is colour-coded by local government area. When scanned, it reveals verified property details instantly, enabling faster location identification for emergency services, utilities, delivery agents, and security teams.

We’ve had issues ranging from tax evasion to untraceable addresses. This new digital system is the solution,” said Babajide.

This statement reiterates the core problem the government is attempting to fix. Unstructured property data has led to inefficiencies in taxation, further causing delays in emergency response, and enabling various forms of urban fraud. Now, Lagos wants to fix this.

The project’s technical foundation was laid through a two-year aerial mapping exercise carried out by Interspatial, the state’s private sector partner. 

Babajide stated that the system meets global standards for civic identification and data protection, adding, “This isn’t just a project; it’s a legacy that aligns with international benchmarks.”

The system’s design also contains Know Your Customer (KYC) features, allowing verification of property occupants and owners, while maintaining compliance with global privacy regulations. This is particularly important for densely packed areas where informal housing dominates and identity verification is near impossible.

Mr Yinka Adesiyan, a co-sponsor and technical partner, stressed the long-term value of the project: “This project goes beyond house numbers. It makes Lagos safer, smarter, and more transparent.”

He added, “Emergency responders, utility workers, and even residents will be able to navigate the city more effectively.”

Implementation is not being left to chance. Young people trained under the state-backed Ibile programme are handling enumeration and installation duties. This helps ensure data reliability while promoting community ownership and inclusion.

Importantly, the state government has chosen to fully fund the project, which Babajide views as a sign of real political will: “Technology costs money, and this investment shows the government’s will to improve planning and services.”

With Lagos still dealing with high population and infrastructural pressure, this project may be one of the most practical, and overdue, steps toward making the city more navigable, fair, and future-ready. 

But its success will depend not just on QR codes or aerial maps, but on how seriously residents and officials use what it enables.

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Sanwo-Olu to Inaugurate Rack Centre LGS2 Data Centre on April 10 https://techeconomy.ng/sanwo-olu-to-inaugurate-rack-centre-lgs2-data-centre-on-april-10/ https://techeconomy.ng/sanwo-olu-to-inaugurate-rack-centre-lgs2-data-centre-on-april-10/#respond Sun, 06 Apr 2025 23:12:04 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=156344 Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, is among the dignitaries expected to officially inaugurate the newly built state-of-the-art LGS2 Data Centre by Rack Centre on April 10, 2025. The Governor confirmed his attendance for the inauguration when he recently hosted the leadership team of Rack Centre, led by Lars Johannisson, the chief executive […]

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Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, is among the dignitaries expected to officially inaugurate the newly built state-of-the-art LGS2 Data Centre by Rack Centre on April 10, 2025.

The Governor confirmed his attendance for the inauguration when he recently hosted the leadership team of Rack Centre, led by Lars Johannisson, the chief executive officer, at the Lagos House Marina.

“It was good to hear about Rack Centre’s upcoming launch of its new Tier III data centre. This facility will enhance Rack Centre’s presence in West Africa and establish Lagos as a key player in the region’s tech landscape. We discussed the promising future of technology in our state, and the vital role organisations like Rack Centre will play”, said Sanwo-Olu.

According to Rack Centre’s CEO, the facility would redefine the standards of data centre infrastructure in Nigeria.

Johannisson described the newly built facility as a monumental leap for Nigeria’s digital infrastructure landscape, offering unparalleled scalability and efficiency for businesses navigating the digital era.

“This 12MW IT load facility doubles the nation’s data centre capacity and stands as a testament to our commitment to technological advancement and sustainable digitisation. As we embark on this new chapter, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing reliable, scalable, and environmentally conscious infrastructure to propel Nigeria’s digital economy into the future,” he said.

The 12MW IT load state-of-the-art LGS2 data centre is designed as a hyperscaler and AI-ready facility, equipped with advanced technology to support cloud computing, data storage, AI solutions, and digital content management, thus catering to the sophisticated needs of contemporary businesses.

Strategically located in Lagos, the facility boasts an impressive design Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.35, the lowest in the West African region. Along with a sustainable energy generation mix that sets it apart in the industry, it encompasses 3,240 square meters of white space and six data halls, each capable of supporting its 12 MW IT load.

The Rack Centre LGS2 data centre is the first IFC Edge-certified green data centre in the EMEA region. As a state-of-the-art data centre, it not only boasts enhanced rack capacity and sophisticated cooling systems, reflecting a commitment to technical excellence and operational efficiency, but it also fortifies Nigeria’s data sovereignty, such that data generated, stored, and processed within the country remains secure and under national jurisdiction.

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MTN, Lagos State Launch MyLagosApp | See Key Features https://techeconomy.ng/mtn-lagos-state-launch-mylagosapp-see-features/ https://techeconomy.ng/mtn-lagos-state-launch-mylagosapp-see-features/#respond Thu, 13 Mar 2025 19:59:47 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=154845 The goal was to create an app that makes a difference and solves real-life problems for Lagosians

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Lagos State Government, in collaboration with MTN Nigeria, has officially launched MyLagosApp, a digital platform designed to enhance urban living and simplify access to essential services in Africa’s most populous city. 

The launch event, attended by stakeholders from MTN, Lagos State Government officials, and members of the public, showcased the app’s features which could bolster how residents and visitors navigate and experience Lagos.

A Smart Solution for a Smart City

MyLagosApp is a one-stop platform designed to improve connectivity, accessibility, and efficiency for Lagosians. It provides a comprehensive range of services, from discovering local businesses and events to facilitating seamless transportation and digital payments.

The goal was to create an app that makes a difference and solves real-life problems for Lagosians, solving mobility challenges to discovering entertainment, businesses, and making payments, the app is built to redefine the Lagos experience.

MyLagosApp was developed by MTN’s in-house IT team in collaboration with local developers, leveraging MTN’s digital infrastructure to ensure a seamless and intuitive user experience.

MTN, Lagos State Launch MyLagosApp | See Key Features
Center: Karl Toriola, MTN Nigeria CEO and Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos State Deputy Governor, with Lagos State Commissioners at the launch event of MyLagosApp on Thursday.

Key Features of MyLagosApp

1. City Navigation and Real-Time Traffic Updates

Unlike traditional navigation apps, MyLagosApp provides users with real-time updates on traffic conditions and their causes, helping commuters make informed travel decisions. This is particularly important for Lagos, a city known for its bustling roads and unpredictable congestion.

2. Discovering Lagos – Events, Restaurants, and Businesses

The app provides users with a comprehensive directory of entertainment spots, restaurants, hotels, and local businesses. It aims to boost visibility for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by connecting them with potential customers.

3. Digital Payments and Government Services

Leveraging MTN’s fintech capabilities, the app enables users to pay for government levies, transport services, and other essential transactions effortlessly. This is expected to reduce cash dependency and streamline service delivery.

4. Emergency and Essential Services Access

In case of emergencies, users can quickly locate nearby hospitals, fire stations, police stations, and other critical services, making Lagos a safer and more responsive city.

5. Business & Employment Support 

SMEs and entrepreneurs can use the platform to register businesses, access funding opportunities, and apply for permits.

6. Waste Management & Environmental Services 

Report waste disposal issues, track LAWMA services, and access environmental policies.

7. E-Government & Civic Engagement 

The app ensures transparency by allowing residents to report infrastructure problems, participate in policy discussions, and engage with government officials.

Speaking at the launch event, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, described MyLagosApp as a game changer for governance, saying:

This app shows our zeal to leverage technology to make life easier for Lagosians. By digitising essential services, we are ensuring efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity in governance.

By strategically harnessing technology, we are not only enhancing governance and improving service delivery but also simplifying and enriching the lives of every resident in this very vibrant state,” Hamzat said.

The MyLagosApp is designed to be an inclusive platform, ensuring that residents across all parts of Lagos—from the mainland to the island—can access government services efficiently.”

MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, commented on the company’s part in ensuring excellent digital infrastructure and seamless connectivity.

The future is now, and we are capturing the future of e-government, of entertainment, of driving commercial activity with the launch of MyLagosApp.

On behalf of MTN, we want to thank you for the opportunity to partner in this form. We are deeply invested in Lagos State’s journey.”

The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, pointed out how MyLagosApp will improve urban mobility.

The app aligns with our multimodal transportation approach, integrating various transport options and providing real-time insights into traffic conditions,” he noted. 

Additionally, the data generated from the app will support predictive models for better urban planning and transportation policies.”

Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusivity

The app was also built for elderly individuals and persons with disabilities by offering features that help them navigate Lagos more efficiently. “The inclusivity features ensure that everyone, regardless of their mobility challenges, can move around the city with ease,” the commissioner added.

MTN’s Focus on Digital Connectivity and Inclusion

MTN Nigeria’s Chief Digital Officer, Aisha Mumuni, highlighted the technological infrastructure supporting MyLagosApp.

Ensuring seamless connectivity is essential,” she said. “We are working on subsidized data plans and Wi-Fi hotspots to support widespread app adoption. Digital literacy initiatives will also be introduced to help underserved communities maximize the benefits of this transformation.”

Environmental and Urban Planning Impact

The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment Tokunbo Philip Wahab, explained how MyLagosApp will aid in environmental monitoring and urban planning. 

In leveraging the app’s data, the government can track waste management trends, monitor pollution levels, and engage with residents more effectively on pressing environmental issues.

As one of Africa’s leading megacities, Lagos is taking hold of digital growth to enhance urban living. MyLagosApp is a tool for enhancing how people experience Lagos, both residents and visitors, making the city more connected, accessible, and efficient.

How to Access MyLagosApp

The app is available for download on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Users can sign up using their email address, with additional verification steps to ensure security.

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MyLagosApp: Sanwo-Olu Reaffirms Lagos’ Status as Africa’s Leading Smart City https://techeconomy.ng/mylagosapp-sanwo-olu-reaffirms-lagos-status-as-africas-leading-smart-city/ https://techeconomy.ng/mylagosapp-sanwo-olu-reaffirms-lagos-status-as-africas-leading-smart-city/#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:15:09 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=154837 …Lagos to integrate real-time tracking for the newly introduced ‘little buses’ under the state’s transportation system, ensuring commuters can access information on bus routes and schedules

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed Lagos’ status as a megacity and a leading smart city in Africa, stating that the scale of governance in the state surpasses that of many African nations.

Speaking at the official launch of MyLagosApp on Thursday, Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, stressed the need for technology-driven governance to manage the challenges that come with Lagos’ unending growth.

What we manage in Lagos is bigger than most countries in Africa,” he stated, noting that beyond GDP comparisons, the volume of services and infrastructure the state oversees requires innovative solutions.

The governor highlighted key urban issues, including waste management and education, stating that Lagos generates “13,000 metric tonnes of waste daily” and has a primary school population equivalent to “84% of a population.”

MyLagosApp - Sanwo-Olu Reaffirms Lagos’ Status as Africa’s Leading Smart City
Deputy Governor of Lagos, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat speaking at the MyLagosApp launch event

With the launch of MyLagosApp, the government aims to streamline access to essential city services, from real-time traffic updates and emergency response coordination to utility payments and business listings. 

The app, developed in collaboration with MTN and several government agencies, is built as a very important link between residents and public services.

By strategically harnessing technology, we are not only enhancing governance and improving service delivery but also simplifying and enriching the lives of every resident in this very vibrant state,” Hamzat said.

The MyLagosApp is designed to be an inclusive platform, ensuring that residents across all parts of Lagos—“from people on the mainland to the island—can access government services efficiently.”

The governor urged Lagosians to “embrace this app, download it, use it, explore it, and fully utilize the services it offers,” stressing that innovation is a continuous journey and community involvement is essential to the app’s success.

As part of the state’s digital transformation initiatives, Hamzat also revealed plans to integrate real-time tracking for the newly introduced ‘little buses’ under the state’s transportation system, ensuring commuters can access information on bus routes and schedules.

The deputy governor reiterated the administration’s focus on making Lagos a smarter, more efficient, and inclusive city, serving as a model for urban innovation in Africa.

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