Lagos Launches Scientific Innovation Council, Cybersecurity Advisory Board with N1bn Grant 

In his quest to advance scientific innovations in Lagos State, the Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has inaugurated the newly constituted Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) and Cybersecurity Advisory Board, with a take-off grant of N1Billion, for the effective commencement of the activities by the Board.

The announcement of the take-off grant was made at the inauguration event that took place at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House in Ikeja, which was presided over by the Deputy Governor, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.

According to a statement signed by Tunde Alao, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor Sanwo-Olu, the governor stated that his administration is committed to increasing the success metrics with the provision of LASRIC Seed fund. 

He added that “with the provision of LASRIC Seed fund to the tune of N1,000,000,000 (One Billion Naira) in the first tranche payment to the council, we believe this fund would continue to catalyse 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.

He 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%.

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 said “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, Governor 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,” said the Governor.  

Earlier in his welcome address, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Tunbosun Alake stated that the 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 the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) Board and the State’s Cybersecurity Advisory Board is a testament to the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu/Kadri Obafemi Hamzat administration’s commitment to innovation science and technology and protecting the state ecosystem.

Also, in their address, both Chairmen of the newly inaugurated boards, LASRIC and cybersecurity, Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya and 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, adding 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.

Chioma Kalu

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