The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging technology-driven innovations to strengthen security architecture and accelerate digital transformation across the state.
This was contained in a goodwill message delivered at the 2nd Information Technology (IT) Summit held at Dominican University, Ibadan, where key stakeholders in academia, security, government, and the ICT sector gathered to deliberate on innovative solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.
Delivering the message on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde, FNSE, the Pioneer Permanent Secretary, Bureau of ICT and Digital Innovation, Engr. Raheemat Abisola Adabanija, described the summit theme, “Deploying IT Solutions for Intelligence Gathering, Surveillance and Counterinsurgency in Nigeria,” as timely and relevant in view of evolving security threats.
She noted that the state government recognizes the critical link between security and development, stressing that sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved without peace and stability.
According to her, Oyo State has remained proactive in adopting innovative security strategies through collaboration among security agencies, community leaders, and government institutions. She highlighted regular State Security Council meetings, expanded stakeholder engagements, and intelligence-sharing mechanisms as part of efforts to enhance security coordination.
Engr. Adabanija also disclosed that the state has invested in CCTV surveillance systems at strategic locations, established emergency toll-free lines, and strengthened the Oyo State Security Trust Fund to support logistics, communication equipment, and operational efficiency of security agencies.
She further emphasized that emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, predictive analytics, cybersecurity systems, geospatial intelligence, drone technology, and integrated command-and-control systems would define the future of intelligence gathering and counterinsurgency efforts.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted the establishment of the Bureau of ICT and Digital Innovation as a major milestone in the state’s digital transformation agenda, noting that the bureau is driving business process automation and reforms aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and service delivery in the public service.
She added that the state government is deepening partnerships with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy as well as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to promote digital skills, innovation, and youth empowerment.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Oyo State Chapter, Bamgbade Babatunde Joseph, raised concerns over the rising cases of insecurity, abductions, and insurgency across the country, describing the situation as alarming.
Bamgbade Joseph cited recent abductions in Oyo State, including incidents at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, and Yawota Baptist High School in Oriire Local Government Area, where about 46 persons were reportedly kidnapped.
He called on all tiers of government, security agencies, policymakers, academia, and technology stakeholders to collaborate in developing sustainable solutions to insecurity, expressing optimism that the summit would produce actionable recommendations.
Similarly, the Vice Chancellor of Dominican University, Professor Jacinta Opara, described the summit as timely, expressing confidence that discussions would yield meaningful strategies to address insecurity in the country.
Delivering the keynote address, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, mni, stressed that modern insurgency has evolved beyond conventional warfare into a digital battlefield powered by encrypted communication, cyber recruitment, and technology-enabled operations.
He outlined three strategic pillars for counter-insurgency using IT: intelligence fusion and predictive analytics, cyber-physical surveillance systems, and digital counter-radicalization strategies.
Prof. Adebowale further proposed the establishment of a national intelligence fusion centre, expanded use of drones and sensor-based surveillance, and development of digital tools to counter extremist narratives online.
He also called for stronger collaboration between academia, government, and industry, while urging ethical safeguards to prevent abuse of surveillance technologies.
The summit brought together security experts, ICT professionals, academics, students, and industry stakeholders, who collectively called for increased adoption of indigenous technological solutions to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges.
Dignitaries at the event included representatives of the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga psc mnips, SP Oduntan Remo, the Chairman of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief (Barr.) Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole, among others.
The summit concluded with a shared commitment to harnessing innovation and technology as key tools for strengthening national security and advancing Nigeria’s digital future.
