Lagos approves N1bn take-off grant for LASRIC
Hamzat during the approval for the take-off grant
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
In its quest to advance scientific innovations in Lagos State, the Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday inaugurated the newly constituted Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council, LASRIC, and Cybersecurity Advisory Board.
The event that took place at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House in Ikeja, was presided over by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, who announced the take-off grant of N1 billion, for the effective commencement of the activities by the Board.
Sanwo-Olu stated that his administration was committed to increasing the success metrics with the provision of LASRIC Seed fund.
He added that “with the provision of LASRIC Seed fund to the tune of N1,000,000,000 (One Billion Naira) in the first tranche payment to the council. We believe this fund would continue to catalyze development in our dear State.”
The Governor noted that the sustenance of the development of the State is the central focus of the present administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda, adding that to drive deeper positive economic outcomes, it was essential to establish an Innovation, Science, and Technology body to manage and propel Lagos State’s engagement with the science and technology ecosystem.
He said that within the Research and Development, LASRIC had supported more than 70 initiatives, ranging from projects in bio-mass and bio-diesel to artificial intelligence for medical imaging, adding that “their efforts have increased innovation activity within the state by over 250%.”
The Governor enumerated the key areas of responsibilities of the government to the newly recommissioned LASRIC board, to include increased funding and support, collaboration and partnerships, capacity building, focus on local challenges, promotion of a culture of innovation, and LASRIC Seed Fund, adding that all these areas would increase the ecosystem science, innovation, and technology of the state.
Sanwo-Olu added that the board is composed of experts from industry, academia, and the public sector, with the mission to deepen and expand innovation activities in Lagos.
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While congratulating the newly constituted council, the governor stated that “It is my expectation that the new LASRIC being inaugurated today will work assiduously towards ensuring the realization of our collective goal and aspiration congratulate the Chairman and members of the Board for heeding the call to serve.
“I have no doubt in my mind that you will bring to bear on your new assignment your experience and expertise which informed your selection to serve the government and the people of Lagos State.”
In an earlier event, Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the state cybersecurity council, charging them to establish a robust protection ecosystem that would ultimately safeguard the quality of life for all its citizens.
He stated that the inauguration of the State’s Cybersecurity Advisory Board marked a significant step in its commitment to enhancing digital security and advancing the development agenda in the state.
“Given these escalating threats, it is imperative for Lagos to implement a comprehensive cybersecurity protection strategy. The growing use of digital tools offers both opportunities and real-world risks to our development.
“Today’s inauguration aligns with our goal of transforming Lagos into a smart, livable, and cyber-protected city,” said the governor.
Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Tobosun Alake stated that the Sanwo-Olu administration has continued to enhance technology and digital solutions which will increase the quality of livelihood of its citizens.
