Art of Technology: Obafemi Hamzat on what the Innovation Master Plan will bring to Lagos

In a bid to enhance the tech ecosystem in Lagos State, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat unveiled the Lagos Innovation Master Plan and the Lagos Solutions Hub at the recent Art of Technology event. The purpose of these initiatives is to bring together the tech industry and government to foster innovation and collaboration. Hamzat emphasized the significance of technology as a catalyst for societal development, stating that it enables societies to leapfrog and bridge the gap between developing and developed countries. He highlighted the importance of technology in driving efficiency and predictive capabilities in various sectors. The government aims to leverage technology to address the challenges faced by young talents and entrepreneurs by providing access to government data through the Solutions Hub. This platform allows individuals to submit ideas and proposals which will be reviewed based on set criteria for access to relevant information. By removing communication barriers and encouraging engagement between the government and tech community, Lagos State aims to facilitate the development of solutions tailored to the needs of its residents. The Lagos Innovation Master Plan outlines the state's strategic roadmap for the next five years, focusing on key areas such as metro fiber deployment, data management policy, and infrastructure development. The plan provides a clear framework for private sector participation and ensures transparency in government projects, enabling companies to align their strategies accordingly. It also emphasizes the importance of data protection and privacy regulations to safeguard sensitive information. With the growing emphasis on data usage and control, Hamzat assured Lagos residents that the government's approach is aimed at enhancing efficiency and improving service delivery. He emphasized that data has always been essential for various transactions, and the government's goal is to streamline data access for innovation and development purposes. The government's willingness to share data with private entities for specific purposes, such as traffic management or healthcare applications, underscores its commitment to leveraging data as a valuable resource for societal progress. The Lagos Solutions Hub serves as a platform for citizens to engage with the government directly, allowing them to submit ideas and proposals without the need for personal connections. This initiative aims to democratize access to government resources and foster a culture of innovation and collaboration in the state. By providing a transparent and accessible channel for communication, the Solutions Hub empowers individuals to contribute to the development of Lagos through their innovative solutions. Overall, the launch of the Lagos Innovation Master Plan and the Solutions Hub signifies the state government's commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive growth and sustainable development. These initiatives showcase Lagos as a hub for innovation and creativity, where stakeholders from various sectors can come together to drive positive change and progress.