TLDR: The Ondo State Government has launched a comprehensive vision to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its governance, economy, and social fabric. This initiative was highlighted at the Ondo State Artificial Intelligence Adoption Summit 2025, a two-day event aimed at developing a policy framework for responsible AI adoption to enhance service delivery, boost productivity, and foster an inclusive, innovative society.
The Ondo State Government has declared its commitment to leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool for governance, economic growth, and social inclusion across the state. This ambitious vision was formally unveiled at the Ondo State Artificial Intelligence Adoption Summit 2025, held in Akure from October 27 to 28, 2025. The summit, themed “Driving Governance Efficiency and Inclusive Development Through Responsible AI Adoption,” brought together a diverse array of stakeholders to chart a course for the state’s digital future.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, emphasized technology’s role as a catalyst for development. He assured attendees of the government’s continued investment in digital infrastructure and human capital development to achieve its innovation goals. “AI is no longer a distant dream; it is a powerful tool that is already transforming governance around the world,” the governor stated. “Our future lies in using AI responsibly to enhance service delivery, boost productivity, and build an inclusive and innovative society.”
Prof. Ajibefun further urged all stakeholders to embrace AI with a focus on inclusivity and transparency in its implementation. He clarified the government’s stance, stating, “This journey is not about replacing humans. It is about amplifying human potential, creating jobs, and building a culture of innovation that secures the future of our people.”
The two-day high-level policy summit, an initiative of the Ondo State Information Technology Agency (SITA), was organized in partnership with key players from the public and private sectors, academia, and civil society. Mr. Tomide Akinribido, Chairman of SITA, described the summit as a pivotal step in the state’s digital transformation journey, expressing Ondo’s aspiration to become a leader in sub-Saharan Africa’s AI revolution. “We are not merely discussing technology,” Akinribido asserted. “We are shaping the state’s position in the Fourth Industrial Revolution — from public administration to agriculture, and beyond.”
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The integration of AI is expected to significantly enhance various aspects of governance and public service. Specifically, AI could improve project monitoring, facilitate the detection of financial anomalies, and provide crucial support to vital sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and transport. The summit’s agenda included technical sessions and panel discussions on critical topics like AI ethics, cybersecurity, e-governance, digital economy frameworks, and skills development, engaging policymakers, tech entrepreneurs, youth innovators, and academic representatives.
