The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Laoye, has unveiled a 25-year digital economic growth plan aimed at transforming the ancient city into a leading hub for digital economic transformation.
The monarch disclosed this during his address at the Ogbomoso Digital Economy Summit, themed “Financing and Deploying Resources for Digital Transformation,” held at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, on Wednesday.
He emphasized the need to integrate technology into various sectors of the economy, including sports, to enhance Ogbomosoland’s economic growth. To achieve this, he announced a structured 25-year development plan focused on empowering industries, generating employment, improving residents’ quality of life, and unlocking the city’s potential in agriculture, education, infrastructure, health, tourism, and commerce.
As part of this vision, he also revealed plans for the Ogbomoso International Economy Summit in April 2025, which aims to attract investors and showcase the city’s economic potential.
The founding partner of Future Africa, Mr. Iyin Aboyeji, advised the government to prioritize policy and infrastructure over direct business funding, stressing the importance of creating local business success stories that can inspire more entrepreneurs.
Dr. Adeyemi Aderinto underscored the value of talent as a natural resource, noting that less-developed cities like Ogbomoso are emerging frontiers for economic growth. He pointed out that as major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt become increasingly saturated, new urban centers must seize the opportunity to attract businesses and skilled professionals.
With a population of 1.2 million, Aboyeji expressed confidence that Ogbomoso could evolve into a major economic city within the next decade if it leverages its demographic strength rather than being constrained by geographical limitations.
The summit brought together traditional rulers, government officials, tech entrepreneurs, and academics, all united in the vision of positioning Ogbomoso as a global economic force.
Earlier in his address, Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, highlighted the importance of collaboration between traditional rulers and the government. He noted that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has installed 10 kings and 40 Baales since 2019, demonstrating its commitment to chieftaincy affairs.
He urged traditional rulers to actively engage with the government to accelerate development in their communities. Emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift, Oyelade called on Oba Laoye to strengthen ties with the state government for Ogbomoso’s sustainable progress.
