Lagos State Government outshined its counterparts in the country to emerge the best overall in Digital Infrastructure for Development in Nigeria, as it won seven awards at the sixth annual Tech Innovation Awards, formerly called Nigeria Tech Innovation and Telecom Awards.
The Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Hakeem Fahm, who received the award on behalf of the state government, said the conferment of the awards is a reflection of the state’s buoyant tech ecosystem, and the push to provide a world-class environment for Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
He said that the award confirmed the state’s commitment to leveraging ICT for service delivery to the citizens and developing the ICT ecosystem with world-class infrastructure.
Fahm reiterated the commitment of the Sanwo-Olu’s administration to provide a statewide fibre-optics infrastructure to support the huge demand for data centres, businesses and public use, maintaining that Lagos is determined to champion the sector’s growth and sustainability by supporting tech companies, ICT start-ups and other industry members.
The Commissioner expressed his pleasure in the recognition of the state’s efforts, stressing that the it would continue to foster ICT growth, local partnerships and collaborations to create opportunities for innovation and wealth by eradicating the digital divide and enhancing operational resilience.
“The continuous recognition of Lagos over the years through multiple awards is a reflection of its vision to provide sustainable infrastructure, eliminate the digital divide and democratise digital learning to promote digital literacy. This administration would continue to leverage technology to transform the state’s economy while easing impediments for businesses to flourish”, Fahm said.
He pointed out since he assumed office in 2019, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has prioritised ICT development and improved service delivery in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state, just as he is transforming Lagos into a Smart City.
The seven awards came through Lagos Internal Revenue Services with three awards; Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency with two awards; the Ministry of Science and Technology with one award, while Fahm bagged an award for Special Contribution to the ICT sector.
The Tech Innovation Awards, widely known as Nigeria’s ICT Oscars Awards, is an annual event designed to celebrate organisations, individuals, governments and the private sector that have distinguished themselves over the years and are at the forefront of digitalisation with innovative products and services in the ICT sector.
