L-R: Member of Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Board, Chinenye Chizea; Lagos State Deputy Gov. Obafemi Hamzat; Chairman, Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Board, Dr Osakwe Fene; and another member of the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Board, Dr Bharat Soni

Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, launched the newly formed La­gos State Science, Research, and Innovation Council (LASRIC) and Cybersecurity Advisory Board on Friday to advance sci­entific innovation in the state.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, his Deputy, announced the take-off grant of N1 billion at an event held at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House in Ikeja, paving the way for the board’s activities to be­gin.

He stated that his administra­tion is committed to increasing success metrics through the implementation of the LASRIC Seed Fund.

According to him, “with the provision of the LASRIC Seed Fund to the tune of N1,000,000,000 (one billion Naira) in the first tranche payment to the council.” We believe that this fund will con­tinue to catalyse development in our beloved State.

The Governor stated that the State’s development is the central focus of the current administra­tion’s THEMES Plus Agenda, and that to drive deeper positive economic outcomes, an Innova­tion, Science, and Technology body must be established to manage and propel Lagos State’s engagement with the science and technology ecosystem.

He stated that LASRIC has supported over 70 initiatives in Research and Development, ranging from projects in biomass and biodiesel to artificial intelli­gence for medical imaging and that their efforts have increased innovation activity in the state by more than 250 per cent.

The Governor outlined the government’s key responsibil­ities to the newly re-commis­sioned LASRIC board, which include increased funding and support, collaboration and part­nerships, capacity building, a focus on local challenges, the promotion of an innovation culture, and the LASRIC SEED FUND, stating that all of these areas will improve the state’s ecosystem science, innovation, and technology.

He stated that the formation of the State’s Cybersecurity Ad­visory Board is a significant step towards enhancing digital secu­rity and advancing the state’s development agenda.

“Given the escalating threats, Lagos must implement a com­prehensive Cybersecurity pro­tection strategy. The increased use of digital tools presents both opportunities and real-world risks to our development.

“Today’s inauguration is con­sistent with our goal of trans­forming Lagos into a smart, liv­able, and cyber-secure city,” the Governor stated.

Tobosun Alake, Commission­er for Innovation, Science, and Technology, previously stated in his welcome address that the Sanwo-Olu administration has continued to improve technolo­gy and digital solutions that will improve the quality of life for its citizens.