Osun State has entered a partnership with the United Kingdom to drive digital transformation across the state. Governor Ademola Adeleke has begun the processes for the initiative, which the UK-funded Digital Access Programme will deliver. Moreover, the state government says the move aligns with his priorities on economic growth, job creation and inclusive development.
British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, announced the project in a letter to the governor. The project, titled State-level Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Enabling Digital Transformation (SPRIRET), follows the UK–Nigeria Strategic Partnership. Additionally, it comes after months of coordination between the state and the Deputy High Commission’s team.
During that period, both sides assessed Osun’s digital landscape. They examined the state’s needs, readiness and opportunities to expand connectivity and build digital skills. Officials say the response emerged from a joint design process with the state.
SPRIRET aims to expand inclusive digital access, strengthen systems, policies and frameworks, and build institutional capacity for digital economy growth. Support will focus on five key areas. First, it will reform the state’s digital economy policy, regulations and institutions. Second, it will improve digital infrastructure, connectivity and access. Third, it will promote civic tech and the digitisation of public services, including digital public infrastructure. Fourth, it will develop capacity. Finally, it will coordinate the ecosystem for sustainable implementation.
The Initiative for Digital Inclusion (iDi) will implement the project in close collaboration with the Osun State Government. Therefore, local officials will work alongside the implementer rather than watch from the sidelines.
Governor Adeleke welcomed the development warmly. He said the partnership shows Osun is “a state ready to compete in the digital economy space for wealth creation.” He thanked the UK Government for its confidence in his vision. Furthermore, he promised that his administration will work closely with all partners. He wants every citizen, from rural communities to the cities, to enjoy expanded access, better public services and new opportunities for young people.
Baxter also voiced pride in the collaboration. “The UK is proud to partner with Osun State on this ambitious programme,” he said. According to him, stronger policies, systems and institutions behind a digital economy will help unlock growth, create jobs and widen access to digital opportunity. He added that the project reflects the shared ambition behind the UK–Nigeria Strategic Partnership.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Multilateral Relations, Bamikole Omishore, also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strategic international partnerships that deliver on the SDGs. He repeated that the government will place inclusive, technology-driven growth at the heart of governance.
The Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, announced the partnership on 10 November 2026. His statement presents the project as a major step toward a modern, connected Osun.
The project could matter to residents in practical ways. Better connectivity and digitised public services could reduce delays when citizens deal with government. Meanwhile, stronger policies and new digital skills could open doors for young people who want jobs in the digital economy.
Still, the real test will come during implementation. Residents will look for visible results, such as wider internet access, faster public services and new skills training. The state government and iDi must now turn the agreement into measurable gains for people across Osun.
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