Office of the Special Adviser on Information and Communication

ICT POLICY for the STATE OF OSUN (FINAL Draft)

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State Government of Osun

Office of the Special Adviser on Information and Communication Technology, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.

In Collaboration with

National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)

FINAL DRAFT ICT POLICY FORTHE STATE OF OSUN. June 2013


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Table of Contents

PART I

Introduction 3

The Need for an ICT Policy Framework 4

The Role of NITDA 5

Guiding Principles and Frameworks 5

ICT Policy Key Objectives: 6

Sectors to be Covered 7

Lessons for policy makers 9

PART II

Introduction

ICT POLICY FOR OSUN STATE

e-Education 12

e-Infrastructure 17

e-Agriculture 24

e-Culture and Tourism 31

e-Government 41

e-Health 46

General Rules for Implementing ICT Policy 51

Funding and Investment Opportunities

Monitoring and Evaluation

Partnership and collaboration

Governance: Institutional and Legal Framework

Appreciation.


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PART I Introduction. Background Information on Osun State

Osun State was carved out of the former Oyo State in 1991 and is surrounded by four major Yoruba-

speaking States, namely; Kwara to the north, Ondo/Ekiti to the east and Oyo to the West and Ogun to

the South. The State Capital is Osogbo, and the estimated Population of the State is 2,203,016 by the

last Census exercise.

The United Nations General Assembly Resolution 56/183 (21 December 2001) endorsed the holding of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in two phases. The first phase took place in Geneva, from 10 to 12 December 2003, and the second phase took place in Tunis, from 16 to 18 November 2005. The Outcomes of these meetings have become the guiding documents for the development of the ICT sector globally. In urging State Parties to develop ICT Policies, Article 90(b) of the Tunis Agenda for the Information Society (2005) states as follows:

“Developing and implementing enabling policies that reflect National realities and that promote a supportive international environment, foreign direct investment as well as the mobilization of domestic resources, in order to promote and foster entrepreneurship, particularly Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) taking into account the relevant market and cultural contexts. These policies should be reflected in a transparent, equitable regulatory framework to create competitive environment to support the goals and strengthen economic growth.”

THE ROLE OF NATIONAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (NITDA)

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) by virtue of the NITDA Act

(2001, 2007) is empowered to develop a National framework for the development of ICT in Nigeria

through regulation, monitoring and evaluation of the ICT Sector in Nigeria.NITDA in implementing this

vision seeks to assists States of the Federation to develop their own ICT Policies.

The State Government recognizes ICT as Key to Drive State of Osun’s Accelerated and Sustainable Socio-

Economic Development over the next four years.

The State of Osun ICT Policy and Strategic Plan is developed within the context of the WSIS Tunis Agenda

National ICT Policy, NITDA Act 2007; Vision 20-2020,National Transformation Agenda,Omoluabi (Osun

Development ) Agendaetc focused on:

i. Tackling and addressing factors and challenges involved in ensuring that social and economic

growth is rapid, sustainable, widespread and inclusive for the benefit of the State, Nigeria

and its people.


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ii. Ensuring State of Osun becomes an information and knowledge society that enables its

citizens to fully participate in the information age.

iii. Addressing how the state can exploit and tap into the benefits of the information revolution

to facilitate wealth creation, poverty reduction, employment generation, wealth

redistribution, sustainable development and global competitiveness through the

exploitation, development and deployment of ICTs within the society and economy, etc.

ICT POLICY KEY OBJECTIVES:

i. To build a critical mass of ICT professionals and ICT knowledgeable workforce that can effectively

drive state development objectives, whilst being globally competitive.

ii. To empower Osun indigenes as Nigerians to participate in ICT Hardware and Software

Development.

iii. To guarantee that the state benefits maximally and contributes meaningfully by providing global

solutions to the challenges of the information age.

iv. To ensure that information and telecommunications resources are available to promote efficient

development.

v. To encourage local production and manufacture of ICT components in a competitive manner.

vi. The policy presents State of Osun's roadmap for the development of an information and

knowledge based society and economy as a means of facilitating the realization of socio-

economic development policy priorities and programmes in the global networked economy.

vii. To accelerate development and make governance accessible to the vast majority of people.

viii. Tackling and addressing factors and challenges involved in ensuring that social and economic

growth is rapid, sustainable, widespread and inclusive for the benefit of the State of Osun and its

people.

ix. Addressing how the State can exploit and tap into the benefits of the information revolution to

facilitate wealth creation, poverty reduction, employment generation, wealth redistribution,

sustainable development and global competitiveness through exploitation, development, and

deployment of ICTs within the society and economy.

x. Ensuring the State of Osun becomes an information and knowledge society that enables its

citizens to fully participate in the information age.

xi. Sectors covered by the Policy includes

a) Agriculture and Rural Development

b) Health


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c) Education

d) Culture and Tourism

e) Infrastructure and

f) E-Government

CONCLUSION: LESSONS FOR POLICY MAKERS

According to eTransform Africa (The World Bank, 2011), many useful lessons for African policy makers seeking to maximize the transformational impact of ICTs must include:

a) Deployment of ICTs and the development of applications must be rooted in the realities of local circumstance and diversity.

b) Governments have an important part to play in creating the enabling environment in which innovations and investments can flourish while serving as a lead client in adopting new innovations and technologies.

c) Effective use of ICTs will require cross-sectoral collaboration and a multi-stakeholder approach, based on open data and open innovation.

d) Most innovative ICT applications in Africa have been the result of pilot programs. The report says now is the time for rigorous evaluation, replication and scaling-up of best practices.

This ICT Policy Document is the response of the State of Osun to take advantage of the unique

opportunities offered by the ICT revolution in time to heed the warnings of pioneers ICT entrepreneurs

like Bill Gates who once said, to come late to the information revolution is to become the developing

countries of the future.

EngrHazizBalogun, Prof Cleopas O. Angaye, SA, ICT, Director General / CEO. Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology, NITDA. State of Osun.

OgbeniRaufAregbesola,

Executive Governor.


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State Government of Osun

Office of the Special Adviser on Information and Communication Technology, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.

In Collaboration with

National Information Technology Development Agency

NITDA

FINAL DRAFT ICT POLICY FOR THE STATE OF OSUN. June 2013


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1. ICT POLICY FOR EDUCATION POLICY STATEMENT The State of Osun shall adopt Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) appropriate to education as tools for the administration, and delivery of education in all learning institutions for all categories of persons as well as create an environment that facilitates the emergence of globally competent human resources, innovative learning environment, pedagogy and andragogy. 1.1 VISION Empowering the Youths for Strategic Leadership in the global Knowledge Economy “It is the aspiration of our government to make the State of Osun the hub of ICT in Nigeria. In our own modest way, much of our effort towards building a knowledge-driven economy is focused on massive investment in e-youth strategies. We believe that an investment in today’s children and youth would yield the best returns in the not-too-distant future. This is the sure path that we have resolved to follow. That is why we have invested in the Opon Imo (e-learning tablets), which is a self-study aid and a robust electronic device with uniform learning content designed for use in Senior Secondary Schools in our state.”

OgbeniRaufAregbesola, H.E. Governor of the State of Osun. 1.2 BACKGROUND.

Osun is one of the most educationally endowed states in Nigeria. The State is host to a Federal University, two State Universities with multiple campuses, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education and numerous Secondary and Primary Schools. It recently launched the innovative education e-Tablet (OponImon) for about 150,000 pupils in Senior Secondary Schools which will them prepare adequately for the national final exams. The government provides feeding for pupils, as well as Uniform, with vast investments in infrastructural development to facilitate a conducive environment for learning. Worthy of mention is also the popular Youth Empowerment Scheme-OYES, which prepares youths for the job market through a Social Safety Net Scheme.

1.3 STRENGTH, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITY AND THREAT (SWOT) ANALYSIS.

STRENGTHS WEAKNESS

Availability of Educational Tablets (OponImon) that creates awareness and improves potential possibilities of ICT in Education.

Large youth population and students with passion to learn.

Number of tertiary schools that can facilitate knowledge transmission.

Existence of core local and foreign expertise required to kick off train the

Lack of State ICT Policy.

Lack of fiscal incentives for ICT investors, developers and solution providers.

Lack of legal, regulatory and institutional frameworks e-education software development.

Lack of intellectual property rights, law enforcement.

Lack of quality assurance and standards of software products and services.


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trainers.

A willing and interested government ready to react and create the necessary policy environment.

Re-engineering of education system ICT to enhance qualitative education.

Adequate command of English language which is the national language of instruction in Nigerian schools.

Existence of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Act of 2007 to facilitate support for state ICT policy and e-strategies.

Existence of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that is capable of redirecting their focus on female and youth empowerment through online-education.

Low cost investment for implementing e-education.

Millennium source of job and wealth creation to alleviate poverty in Nigerian society.

Existence of National Intellectual Property Commission (NIPC).

Existence of National e-Education Policy and Strategic Document.

Hostility between government and personnel of institutions of higher learning.

Inadequate and irregular supply of electricity.

Inadequate Telecommunications Infrastructure.

Inadequate testing, measurement and certification of ICT professionals, products, services and markets standardization.

OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

State Governor’s interest in growth of economy, improvement of quality of life and poverty alleviation.

Large global production of ICT in Education products and services.

Worldwide focus on human capital development/empowerment

Potential of Nigeria serving as the hub for ICT products and services in the sub Sahara Africa.

Relatively cheap labour in the country which is an incentive for foreign investment that would use competent

Inadequate focus on Nigerian -Education vision, mission and objectives.

Lack of continuity of existing policy, strategic plan and implementation procedure by subsequent administration.

National attitude of excluding individuals or groups that contribute to policy formulation and strategic planning.

Common piracy and copyright infringement on intellectual property.

Poor adoption of e-education and pedagogy by School management


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local labour.

Era of business re-engineering using IT.

Development of Nigerian software products and services that are capable of exhibiting and competing in the global markets.

Insecurity of environment, life and property.

Lack of enforcement of copyright protection laws.

1.4MISSIONS OF STATE OF OSUN ICT IN EDUCATION POLICY

a. Promoting ICT in Education as one of the Critical State Infrastructure (CSI) for the enhancement and delivery of globally relevant education, as well as production of globally competent human capital that can drive the next stage of the development agenda of the State of Osun.

b. Promoting and facilitating ICT in educational development with a view to promoting transparency and accountability in governance, improving the quality and effectiveness of public service delivery, and increasing the contribution of the State of Osun to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria.

c. Enhancement of the standard of living of the people of the State of Osun through the use of e-

education opportunities such as e-learning and online education to fastrack the emergence of competence globally relevant workforce.

d. Development of human resources for software development through increased use of software

in educational institutions and through academic and training programmes that improve the employability of educated youth in both the public and private educational institutions in Osun.

1.5 POLICY STATEMENT The State of Osun shall adopt Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) appropriate to education as tools for the administration, and delivery of education in all learning institutions for all categories of persons as well as create an environment that facilitates the emergence of globally competent human resources, innovative learning environment, pedagogy and andragogy. 1.6 OBJECTIVESOF ICT IN EDUCATION IN THE STATE OF OSUN

a. Develop appropriate strategies for the deployment of ICTs to create innovative learning environment.

b. Develop guidelines that ensure the promotion of e-education as a strategic component of the educational system in the State of Osun.

c. Facilitate the implementation of the National e-Education Strategy in the State of Osun.

d. Provide incentive mechanisms for Schools and Colleges to adopt ICTs and specifically e-learning

as a component of their teaching and learning system.


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e. Ensure the adoption and implementation of appropriate School Management Systems (SMS) in ALL schools and colleges in the State of Osun.

f. Establish modalities and technical guidelines for registering, evaluating, testing and documenting

the student population in all schools in the State of Osun.

g. Implement a roadmap for ensuring easy access to e-education software and products for education and learning institutions in the State of Osun.

h. Ensure the computerization of the current School curriculum and facilitate the access of the

same by all teachers in the State.

i. Ensure the establishment of a strong leadership that can facilitate and deliver with periodic reportsto His Excellency, the vision and objectives of this e-education policy with the aim of achieving rapid penetration and effective use of ICTs in all levels of education as well as promote ICTS in public education.

j. Promote the Establishment of a State Educational Resource Centre with responsibility for

training all teachers in the use of ICTs, as well as ensure access to current e-learning resources.

k. Ensuring adequate budgetary provision for promoting and facilitating the delivery of education and learning through the use of ICTs.

l. Periodic publication of data on ICT in education to facilitate centralized planning and awareness.

m. Procure and deploy Internet Access, Connectivity and Resources to schools providing a viable

and sustainable virtual library system, distant learning and collaborative teaching, learning and research.

1.7 STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTING ICT IN EDUCATION IN THE STATE OF OSUN.

1. Programme to ensure compulsory ICT training for teachers in all levels of education system in

the State of Osun.

2. Programme to ensure the availability of Computer laboratory in all levels of education system in

the State of Osun.

3. Programme to ensure the acquisition of computers by all staff of state owned tertiary

institutions in the state of Osun.

4. Programme to ensure the acquisition of computers especially laptops by all Osun State students

in tertiary institutions under a special scholarship programme of the State of Osun.


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5. Programme to ensure the establishment of Community Information and Special Education

Centre in all Towns in the State of Osun with a minimum of 10 computers with full internet

connectivity as learning resource.

6. Programme to ensure that the hiring, testing and promotion of teachers in the State of Osun are

fully computerized.

7. Programme to ensure that all examinations and results for pupil in the State of Osun are

computerized and released as printed copy.

8. Programme to ensure that all primary and secondary schools in the state of Osun acquire and

utilize Schools Management System software for data collection and accuracy of school grades.

9. Programme to encourage teachers to use ICT enabled culturally relevant materials in their

delivery of content of the school curriculum.

10. Programme to fit each classrooms in secondary and tertiary schools with audio-visual and ICT

enabled teaching and learning aidssuch as overhead projectors and whiteboards.

11. Programme to encourage the use of digital games as part of pedagogy in primary and secondary

schools.

12. Programme to rank and reward schools based on their deployment and use of ICT resources in

the delivery of the school curriculum.


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2. POLICY ON ICT INFRASTRUCTURE

Policy Statement on Infrastructure

The State of Osun Government shall promote the development, provision, monitoring, evaluation, and maintenance of ICT infrastructure in the state in a manner that provides affordable, equitable and universal access to all citizens and stakeholders for sustainable growth anddevelopment. 2.1 VISION: For the State of Osun to be one of the top 20 economies in Africa in Year 2020 2.2 BACKGROUND Infrastructure is at the heart of the ICT revolution. People all over the world can send e-mail, browse the web, watch television on the mobile phone, smartphone, laptop or tablet computer because the infrastructure is available. Infrastructure is integral to ICT development in the State of Osun and the whole of Nigeria. For the State of Osun to be one of the top 20 economies in Africa in Year 2020, provision of the necessary infrastructure backbone must be a priority. The State of Osun Policy on Infrastructure, which also covers critical aspects of private sector development, defines precise objectives and recommends specific policy strategies to address identified needsandpriorities in this area. The State of Osun also set up the OYES’TECH to train and empower about 5,000 youths on information technology repair, maintenance and technical support with a target of 20,000 youths benefiting from the scheme. The State is partnering with a private sector IT service provider on job creation to empower the 5,000 youths (OYES agents) through the deployment of 5,000 Point of Sales/Point of Transactions Terminals (handheld machines) as Equipment loans. The scheme enables the youths generate income through various economic activities such as National Identity Data Capturing, Sale of Airtime of telecommunication companies, Central Bank of Nigeria cashless and money transfer programme. Telecom infrastructure availability has improved significantly in the State through the landing of submarine cables (fibre optic cables). Furthermore, Telecomunications companies have varying number of masts across the state to facilitate mobile telecommunication for voice, data and video. However, local content in ICT in the state is low with a high dependence on external and foreign providers for ICT products and services. Apart from the OYES scheme, not much is being done to exploit knowledge economy opportunities and create new income and growth opportunities that taps into the energy, ideas and freshness of young people. Opportunities for IT education, which are non academic, outside the formal education system are also limited. The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) the leading professional association for IT professionals and stakeholders in Nigeria has a local chapter that is involved in organizing stakeholder events and promoting ICT for development at state level. There is certainly ICT activity in the State of Osun, however improving infrastructure and closing digital gaps should be high on the agenda. Integration of developments through the development and implementation of innovative ICT policies based on the state’s needs and priorities is essential for sustainable development. 2.3SWOT ANALYSIS


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The strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threat analysis of ICT infrastructure and related development in the State of Osun can be summarized as follows:

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

The State of Osun has established an Agency/Ministry responsible for facilitating ICT development and growth in the state

Government declared intent to make the state the ICT Hub of Nigeria

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) coordinated the development of Nigeria's ICT4D plan which provides direction for using ICT in all key sectors of society to achieve national development.

Employment of Public-private partnerships (PPPs) by the state to foster deployment of ICT networks and services

People of the state are interested in embracing ICT to improve their life opportunities and choices.

Low capacity within existing governmental and private sector infrastructure

Available infrastructure is concentrated in the urban areas

ICT development is not a financial priority for the poor

Lack of awareness and appreciation of ICT benefits by SMEs in the state

Level of local content in ICT is low with very little IT creativity being generated within the state.

Lackofreliablestatisticsandindicatorsforassessing ICT infrastructure status hinders planning and the making of well-informed decisions


The entry of additional wholesale broadband providers has made boosted broadband capacity in Nigeria. Distribution needs to be addressed.

The untapped potential of young people and SMEs in the state provides unique investment opportunities for the government and private sector

Vast land availability and the presence of a considerable number of higher education institutions can facilitate the creation of a digital corridor in the State of Osun

The state can tap into various national ICT infrastructure initiatives

Donor organizations are ready to assist in the area of ICT development.

Instability, inconsistency, insincerity, uncertainty and confusion in government policies

Multiple taxation is a disincentive to investment

Instability and inadequacy of power supply

Unwieldy bureaucratic processes of government can hinder ICT development

Vandalization and destruction of telecommunication facilities and installations

Weak involvement of stakeholders in ICT development process

Poor quality of service continually plagues telecom service provision.

Massive investment required to ensure last mile connectivity and digital inclusion throughout the state

Absence of infrastructure framework policy in Nigeria discourages infrastructure sharing by operators, keeps broadband costs high and hinders broadband penetration

2.4POLICY STATEMENT ON INFRASTRUCTURE


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The State of Osun Government shall promote the development, provision, monitoring, evaluation, and maintenance of ICT infrastructure in the state in a manner that provides affordable, equitable and universal access to all citizens and stakeholders for sustainable growth and development. 2.5 POLICY OBJECTIVES 2.5.1 Prescribe critical measures to enhance the provision, growth and development of accessible, affordable, high quality and sustainable ICT infrastructure in the state 2.5.2 Provide leadership direction and vision to guide ICT infrastructure and private sector development through ICT in the state. 2.5.3 Mobilize human, financial and technical resources to create an information and communication system for the state that is robust, reliable, secure and constantly developing. 2.5.4 Stimulate the private sector, and promote entrepreneurship amongst youths and empower citizens of the state to become the driving force for ICT creativity, job creation, enhanced productivity and competitiveness in the state 2.5.5 Create an enabling environment that facilitates private sector (local, national and Multinational) investment in the ICT Sector 2.5.6 Facilitate the privacy, integrity, accuracy, confidentiality, security, availability and quality of information assets in the state 2.6 POLICY STRATEGIES 2.6.1 Adoption of innovative approaches to infrastructure provision that promote affordable access. 2.6.2 Definition of policies aimed at encouraging private sector’s acquisition and deployment of telecommunication infrastructure. 2.6.3 Provision of budgetary incentives to encourage private sector participation in infrastructure provision 2.6.4 Recognition and encouragement of providers that offer reduced Internet access pricing for businesses and households 2.6.5 Organize exhibitions/Seminars to bring together key representatives of the government andleading players in the ICT industry to exchange ideas, knowledge and technology. 2.6.6 Provision of budgetary incentives to encourage infrastructure provision by ICT providers in the rural areas 2.6.7 Assessment of infrastructure needs and develop action plans to close gaps in specific priority sectors of the state 2.6.8 Provision of enabling environment for widespread ICT deployment and usage within the state


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2.6.9 Provision of an online portal providing statistics and online resources and information on the latest available status and statistics on infrastructure policy, pricing, competition and regulation in the state. 2.6.10 Increase in women's participation in formulating ICT policy and regulatory issues and increasing the representation of women in top-level positions in ICT and related positions 2.6.11 Provision of a policy that promotes the enrolment of girls in science and technology studies within the state’s educational system and should ensure that all higher institutions increase women's representation in all science and technology programmes 2.6.12 Promote and recognize innovative ways of organizing work and business, especially those that are youth led 2.6.13 Encourage the formation of an ICT Infrastructure stakeholder forum comprising relevant government officials, private sector operators, ICT providers, NCS, SMEs and civil society to promote multi-stakeholder engagement, create awareness and achieve progress in ICT infrastructure development for the state. 2.6.14 Establish sustainable public access centers in rural areas that offer services at affordable pricing in a PPP arrangement and relevant Diplomatic Missions particularly India and Malaysia. 2.6.15 State agency on ICT should conduct comprehensive Infrastructure survey regularly indicating location, capacity, type of infrastructure, ownership and purpose 2.6.16 Identification and reactivation of abandoned or unutilized ICT infrastructure projects 2.6.17 Adoption of strategies to ensure the state benefits maximally from Power sector reforms. 2.6.18 Provision of public sector ICT infrastructure (at least fully functioning LANs and wireless access) in the state in the Local Government secretariats, state secretariats and other government institutions. 2.6.19 Encourage the establishment of certified private ICT training institutions and recognize excellent certified training providers. 2.6.20 Encourage the development of locally produced software for the state’s priority areas 2.6.21 Provision of ICT Infrastructure for Schools and educational institutions for efficient and modern collaboration, learning and administration in the state’s education system. 2.6.22 Promotion of Infrastructure protection initiatives through awareness campaigns and local security deployment 2.6.23 Provision of funding to encourage research into alternative and renewable energy sources in higher institutions in the state


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2.6.24 Promoting the establishment of IT parks and corridors in the state through land allocation and other incentives to boost youth innovation and entrepreneurship and encourage private sector investment in the state’s ICT sector


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3. ICT POLICY ON AGRICULTURE

Facilitate investment in the development and provision of ICT services that will enable the development of Agriculture and enhance its value chain as a major income stream and job creator for youths and sustainable development of the State of Osun.

3.1 VISION

The State ICT Policy for Agriculture is aligned to the following vision statement: “To transform the State of Osun into one of the top twenty state economies in Nigeria by the year 2020 by being a model and leader in agro-based industrialization where there is employment and wealth creation opportunities for all in an atmosphere of peace.”

3.2 MISSION

The Policy is also keyed into this mission: “To improve productivity as well as competitiveness of the agricultural sector through the use of ICTs in the planning, implementation, monitoring and the information delivery process.” 3.3BACKGROUND

The state of Osun is located in south western Nigeria. The primary source of livelihood of the citizen is farming with about 70% depending on it for source of income. The state’s major agricultural commodities are cassava, sweet potato, cocoyam, maize, rice, cowpea and groundnut. Also, there are considerable potentials for the production of cotton, walnut, sugarcane, sugar, cocoa, kola nut, coconut, oil palm, raffia palm, cashew, fruits and vegetable, livestock, forestry and fisheries products. The Agriculture sector in the state has gradually developed over the years but little has been done about introducing ICT as a viable means of further development of the sector.

It is instructive that Osun Rural Enterprise and Agriculture Programme has within a short term been able to prepare a vast farm land of about 2,474.17 hectares last year (2012) and allocated same for the use of prospective farmers across the state. The intention is aimed at promoting a private sector-led market for agricultural inputs such as equipment services, Agro input dealers and seed companies/shops. Besides, the state government launched the Quick Impact Intervention Programme with a view to reaching the real farmers and providing them with necessary facilities. Through this alone, a sum of N153,265m was provided for 75 cooperative farmers groups that were spread all over the state as loans. Other support covers the planting of maize, cassava, poultry, fishing and those in vegetable and fruit planting, while support was also given to farmers, who specialised in processing garri and flours.

Besides financial supports, the government was able to render several other assistance to farmers; among these include the provision of farm inputs in terms of seeds, chemicals, and fertilisers which were highly subsidised. It also procured fertilisers outside the Federal Government scheme, because it was discovered that the ones from the Federal Government were always being delayed till after the planting season.

To facilitate accessibility of farmers to their various farmlands, the government was able to open up 49 kilometres road last year, and this year, it has paid the sum of N200m counterpart fund on RAMP


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through the partnership with the World Bank on Rural Access Mobility Project, to increase rural road network to 500 kilometres.

Very little has been done to integrate ICT into agriculture in the state, making it difficult to measure its impact as regards the state government’s vision of developing the agriculture sector of the state.

3.4SWOT ANALYSIS OF AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN OSUN STATE.


Agriculture is the economic backbone for many inhabitants of State of Osun.

Focused leadership towards transform Agriculture

in the State.

Agriculture is not only a means of providing food, it is also a viable sector for the manufacturing industry.

Availability of rail lines and network of roads that can facilitate Osun becoming a hub for Agriculture and supply centre to other urban centres such as Lagos.

Close proximity to two Airports in Ibadan and Akure that can facilitate cargo export of agricultural produce.

Development of an Airport Project that will facilitate access to agricultural produce in Osun State.

Establishment of the Osun Rural Enterprise and Agriculture Programme.

Establishment of the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES)

Government was able to open up 49 kilometres road last year, to facilitate accessibility of farmers to their various farmlands.

The state’s tele-density is low, with the number of fixed and mobile cellular lines currently available only in Osogbo, Ilesha and few rural towns where mobile operators have presence.

Infrastructures such as those using fibre optic, microwave and satellite-based links, is quite at its minimum in the state.

There is no local manufacture of ICT equipment in the state of Osun; all local dealers or agents import these products.

There are no standards guiding the imports of both hardware and software. Few local companies are developing computer application packages.

Most of the software used by both public and private sectors is imported at considerable cost.

The use of open-source software is on the lower side. Hardware such as Geographic Information System (GIS) and weather forecasting equipment.

Soil Mapping Equipments and Software such as those required for Soil Analysis and plant physiology are not available for use in the state.


The coverage of the available network infrastructure is limited to semi-urban and urban areas.

Finding appropriate mechanisms for policy coordination.


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Lack of telecommunications and other infrastructures in the rural areas.

Huge opportunities for the provision of such new ICT services that will enhance Agricultural development in the state.

Infrastructures such as those using fibre optic, microwave and satellite-based links, is quite at its minimum in the state.

Low web presence for agricultural institutions in the state, leading to great opportunity for web development, presence and access to information regarding better and improved farming and agricultural systems.

Large number of farmers who can be transformed

to through training for e-Agriculture

Creating awareness among leaders and the public, and political championing of ICT in Agriculture.

Promoting ICT to further productivity within the sector as well as sub-sectors that are key drivers of the state’s economy.

Prioritizing of development assistance for ICT in the Agric sector.

Developing ICT parameters and indicators within the sector.

Creation of an environment conducive for effective ICT deployment.

Addressing rural/urban imbalances.

POLICY STATEMENT Facilitate investment in the development and provision of ICT services that will enable the development of Agriculture and enhance its value chain as a major income stream and job creator for youths and sustainable development of the State of Osun.

3.5 POLICY OBJECTIVES 3.5.1 To facilitate the development of a diversified and competitive agricultural sector that produces

to meet the State’s food requirements while contributing to export earnings; 3.5.2 To promote and support rural development in order to achieve long term growth in the

agricultural sector and the economy as a whole; 3.5.3 To increase the competitiveness of farmers in production, processing and marketing of

agricultural products and services through the utilisation of ICTs; 3.5.4 To monitor the conservation and sustainable utilisation of natural resources in the agricultural

production process; 3.5.5 To promote the development of ICT entrepreneurs at SME level as part of the rural agro-

business industry development and strengthen the development, application of ICTs in agriculture.


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3.6 POLICY STRATEGIES 3.6.1 Develop weather and agro-meteorology early warning systems to support agricultural

production and predict as well as prevent disasters; 3.6.2 Develop incentives for deployment of affordable ICT solutions to support rural connectivity of

farmers especially those within the catchments of existing ICT infrastructure; 3.6.3 Develop and promote ICT skills development among agricultural extension workers and farmers; 3.6.4 Develop database systems and applications including Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to

support agricultural input resource management as well as to support land and water resource management, environmental monitoring and impact assessment; crop yield assessment and livestock management among others;

3.6.5 Develop a monitoring and evaluation system for the conservation and sustainable utilisation of

natural resources in the agricultural production process; 3.6.6 Promote two-way information dissemination to support the physical and socio-economic

planning processes in the agricultural system. 3.6.7 Develop a monitoring procedure for Agro-inputs authentication to minimize effect of fake and

expired inputs. 3.6.8 Facilitate Crop Insurance for Small holder farmers as well as large scale producers to aid in case

of natural disasters, This will make use of mobile telephony and weather forecasting infrastructures to aid farming activities.

3.6.9 Develop a State-wide Agricultural Input Market Information System (AIMSA) that provides in-

depth technical information about agricultural inputs and up-to-date pricing for agricultural inputs for farmers and agro-dealers on a free website and other telecom technology (Radio, Television, etc).

3.6.10 Revitalize Agricultural Extension Services (AES) by empowering and equipping extension workers

with IT skill as pertaining to their specific area of service. 3.6.11 Design ICT support services that cover all aspects of production (Pre-planting, Planting,

Harvesting, Processing and Packaging) for the various sub-sectors: Food Crops, Tree Crops, Horticultural Crops and Non-Traditional Crops, Livestock, Fisheries & Forestry.

3.6.12 Design ICT support services that cover all aspects of agricultural research, Market/Trade, Rural

financial services, food safety and quality control. 3.6.13 Provision of ICT facilities to support Production services, such as that required for seeds &

fertilizer availability, Integrated Pest and Disease Management and Agricultural Mechanization. 3.6.14 Facilitate the availability of broadband services especially in rural communities to allow increased

farmers access to resources.


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3.6.15 Promote and strengthen farmer groups and farmer field schools as targets for technology

transfer. 3.6.16 Create and strengthen the zoning of agricultural camps in order to improve service delivery and

infrastructure development. 3.6.17 Use electronic and print media as communication tools to support extension information

delivery. 3.6.18 Promote and encourage the involvement of the private sector and NGOs in the provision of

extension services. 3.6.19 Promote crop diversification, use of improved technologies and gender responsive agricultural

extension services. 3.6.20 Facilitate delivery of skills training and technology transfer to smallscale farmers using Farmer

Training Institutes at staff level and Farmer Training Centres at farmer level. 3.6.21 Improve the management of national research programme through appropriate planning,

priority setting, programming and budgeting. 3.6.22 Breed for stable and high yielding and nutritional value varieties or cultivars of both food and

cash crops including indigenous fruits and vegetables. 3.6.23 Breed food crops for storability, acceptability and resistance to and/or tolerance to pests,

diseases and adverse soil conditions such as soil acidity and salinity. 3.6.24 Develop appropriate agronomic packages and technologies for sustained farming systems and

overall agricultural production. 3.6.25 Develop improved technologies for crop protection, crop storage, processing and utilization. 3.6.26 Develop taxonomic capacity and provide diagnostic services for pests and diseases of crops, soils,

and plant analysis etc. 3.6.27 Develop alternative soil nutrient sources and the use of input technologies. 3.6.28 Develop and maintain an inventory of soil and agricultural land that can be used for planning

purposes. 3.6.29 Strengthen research/extension/farmer linkages in order to have more farmers’ input in research

and technology transfer. 3.6.30 Control and coordinate the collection and conservation of available genetic resources and

regulate their accessibility.


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3.6.31 Liaise with the Ministry responsible for Science and Technology and institutions or statutory bodies responsible for the regulation of biotechnology, for the purpose of the introduction and use of agro-biotechnology products.

3.6.32 Train and setup youths in the application of ICT in mobile phone technology, computer (desktop

& laptop) technology and entrepreneurial skills within six months 3.6.33 Provide youths with gainful and sustainable employments (government and self-employment)

in the ICT industry 3.6.34 Build networking or IT Incubation centers in all LGAs to allow for knowledge sharing amongst

those trained by the government about ICT. 3.6.35 Subsidize training costs for IT based courses in vocational and higher institutions. 3.6.36 Integration of present programs under OYES-TECH as it relates to ICT implementation in the

agricultural sector of the state.


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4. ICT POLICY ON CULTURE AND TOURISM

The Government in partnership with private sector and non-state actors, shall ensure the

preservation, documentation, promotion and facilitation of cultural and tourism potentials of

the State of Osun using information and communications technologies for both cultural

identity and economic opportunity.

4.1 VISION

The ICT in Culture and Tourism aims at supporting and accelerating socio-economic development in the

State driven by critical development imperatives, it focuses on priority strategies, programmes and

projects which can assist in the sustainable build-up of an information society in a typical traditional

African community.

4.2 MISSION

i. Information and decision-support system are used to support decision-making in all the major sectors of the economy, particularly the culture and tourism sector.

ii. Every man and woman, school child, village, government office and business can access information and knowledge resources through computers and telecommunication.

iii. Access is available to international, regional and national “information highways”, providing “ off-ramps” in the villages and in the information area catering specifically to grass-roots society;

iv. A vibrant business sector that exhibits strong leadership capable of forging the build-up of the information society;

v. Traditional information resources are available which reflect the needs of government, business, culture, education, tourism, energy, health, transport and natural resource management; and

vi. Information and knowledge are disseminated and used by business, the public at large and disenfranchised group, such as women and the poor, enabling them to make rational choices on matters related to the economy (free markets). This also enables all groups to exercise democratic and human rights (freedom of speech and freedom of cultural and religious expression).

4.3Background

Osun State is inhabited by people known as Yorubas. Yorubas constitute well over One hundred and

twenty Million people (120 million) of the World’s total population. They could be found in the South-

Western States of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States. Parts of Kwara, Kogi, Delta and Edo

States also have a large concentration of the Yoruba race. On the international level, historical facts

indicate that some Yorubas occupy some West-African States like Togo, Republic of Benin, Cote-D’lvoire

and Ghana. On the international level, Yorubas could be found in countries like Trinidad and Tobago,

Cuba, Argentina, Brazil, Paupa New Guinea, Haiti, South America, Barbados, Jamaica, Mexico Puerto

Rico and Uruguay. More importantly, Osun State is the foremost repository of Yoruba customs and

traditions. The Government of Osun State is aware of the fact that Yorubas in the Diaspora are highly

conscious of their roots and heritage and has done a lot to maintain, protect and project the rich Yoruba


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cultural heritage. Osun State is reputed for its work of arts and crafts, which have gained international

recognition. Furthermore, two historic festivals, Osun-Osogbo and Olojo Festivals are marked in Osun

State. There are lots of tourist attractions in Osun State capable of attracting the attention of the world

as well as making tourism a worthwhile venture.

Osun State is blessed in natural and physical endowments - hills, waterfalls, forest reserves,

caves and valleys lakes, rivers etc are viable natural elements for ecotourism; while physical structures

like museum, galleries, palaces and other places of historical values are abundant and well spread over

the nooks and crannies of the State (Refer to the Table below).

Table 1: Tourist Attraction and Monuments in Osun State

S/NO ATTRACTION LOCATION

1. National Museum, Ile-Ife Near Ooni’s Palace Enuwa Area, Ile-Ife

2. Ooni’s Palace Enuwa Area, Ile-Ife

3. Agbonniregun Temple Oke-Itase Street, Ile-Ife

4. Oraniyan Staff Mopa Area, Arubidi, Ile-Ife

5. Zoological Garden ObafemiAwolowo University Campus, Ile-Ife

6. Oluorogbo Temple Ilode Street, Ile-Ife

7. Igbo-Olokun Shrine Ilode Street, Ile-Ife

8. ObafemiAwolowo University, ILe-Ife ObafemiAwolowo University Campus, Ile-Ife

9. Oduduwa Shrine and Grove Ido Area, Oduduwa Street, Ile-Ife (Ife Zone)

10. Baba Sigidi Burst Baba Sigidi Compound, Iremo, Ile-Ife

11. Igi-Nla (Mysterious Tree) Oke-Oora, Mokuro, Ile-Ife

12. Natural History Museum & Zoological Garden ObafemiAwolowo University Campus, Ile-Ife

13. Ibodi Forest Reserves (for Monkeys) Ibodi-Ijesa

14. Ogedengbe Cenotaph Ereja Square, Ilesa

15. The Ancient Wall Clock Obokungbusi Town Hall, Ilesa

16. The Status of OwaObokun Ereja Square, Ilesa

17. Olumirin Waterfalls, Erin-IJesa Along Ilesa-Akure Expressway, Erin-Ijesa

18. Ipetu-Ijesa Forest Reserves (White Porcupine) Along Ilesa-Akure Expressway, Erin-Ijesa


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19. Mat Weaving (local Industry) Ipetu-Ijesa, Ikeji, Ile-Erin Ijesha

20. Ipole Ancient Palace of Owa-Obokun Ipetu-Ijesa, Ipole - Ijesa

21. Naturally Carved Foot-Prints Esa-Oke

22. Minerals Spring Esa-Oke

23. Imesi-Ile Mysterious Caves and Rocks Imesi-Ile

24. Statues of Timi of Ede (Sango) Timi’s Palace, Ede

25. Embroidery Works (Local Industry) Ede

26. Talking Drum Timi’s Palace, Ede

27. Okinni Water Dam/Front Okinni

28. Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove and World Heriatge

Site

Igbo Osun, Osogbo

29. Ancient Palace of Ataoja Oja Oba, Osogbo

30. Suzan Wenger Gallery Ibokun Road, Osogbo

31. National Museum, Osogbo Ataoja’s Palace, Osogbo

32. JimohBuraimoh Art Galley Odi-Olowo Area, Osogbo

33. Twins Seven-Seven Art Gallery Opp. Osogbo Grammar School, Iro Road Osogbo

34. Okonfo RAO Kawawa Jungle Communication Centre, Gbongan Rd.

Osogbo

35. Igi-Nla (Mysterious Tree) Iwara Via Iwo

36. Ayikunnugba Waterfalls Oke-Ile Orangun

37. Warm Water Spring Abalegemo Via Ile-Orangun

38. Remnants of Jalumi War Mortals Inisha

39. Cenotaph Memory of Capt. Bower Inisha

40. Orangun Palace Museum Orangun’s Palace, Ila –Orangun

41. Oke-Maria Spiritual Site OtanAyegbaju

42. Oke-Iragbiji Shrine and Caves Iragbiji


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43. Kiriji Memorial Battle Field Igbajo&ImesiILe

44. Oloku Festival Okuku

45. Museum of Arts and Archival Materials (Ile-

Ona)

Chief MurainaOyelami Close, Iragbiji

46. Erinmo Hill Erin-Ijesha

47. Eko-Ende Water Front(Oore Dam) Eko-Ende

48. Nike Arts Gallery Dada Estate, Osogbo

49 Genesis Arts Gallery Station Road, Osogbo

50. DokunDosa Lake Back of More Police Station, Ile-Ife

51. TimiAgbale Monument Ede

52. Akalako Monument Market Square, Ipetumodu

53. St. Joseph Arts and Crafts Inisha

54. Onirere Calabash and Antiquity Centre Station Road, Osogbo

55. Artists Cooperative Association Iwo-Ibadan Road, Osogbo

56. OpeOlori Meta (Three Headed Palm Tree) Ile-Awiye, OkeBaale, Osogbo

57. Atamora Cave and Bird Watching Centre Ikire

58. Ogiyan Shrine Oko Road, Ejigbo

59. Late DuroLadipo (MbabiMbayo) Station Road, Osogbo

60. Late OyinAdejobi House Off Station Road, Osogbo

61. Oke Baba Abiye Ede

62. Carved Poles Akire’sPalace,Ikire

63. OkeIkoyi (Prayer Mountain) Ikoyi – Ile via Ikire

64. Galerie Frankie Babatope Avenue, Ipetu-Ijesa

65 Malcom Golf &Restortcentre Ada

66 Oranfe Shrine Oranfe Area, Ile-Ife

67 Ogedengbe Tomb Ilesa


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68 Ogun and Owari Shrine Ipole-Ijesa, Atakumosa

69 Ogedengbe Stool Imesi-Ile, Obokun Local Government

70 Battle Field Imesi-Ile, , Obokun Local Ggovernment

71 Fejeboju stream Imesi-Ile, , Obokun Local Government

72 Black/Gold Smith Spot Imesi-Ile, , Obokun Local Government

73 Faragbota Tree Imesi-Ile, , Obokun Local Government

74 Kiriji Peace Treaty Site Buffer Zone between Imesi-Ile and Igbajo

75 Fejeboju Stream IgbajoBoluwaduro LG

76 Faragbota Tree IgbajoBoluwaduro LG

77 Ogun Shrine/IbuLatoosa(Latoosa War Camp) IgbajoBoluwaduro LG

78 Latoosa Village IgbajoBoluwaduro LG

79 The seats of Oba Mewa (10 traditional rulers

from Ile-Ife, rested in Igbajo before departing

to their present domains)

IgbajoBoluwaduro LG

80 Historical Counting Stone Ila-Orangun

81 Ayinkunnugba Waterfalls Oke-IlaOrangun

82 Cenotaph Memory of Captain Bower Iwo

83 OkeOore Iwo

84 Okanyilule Rock Iragbiji

85 Otun River Okuku, Inisa

86 Osun Shrine Ikoyi in Isokan LG

87 Osun/Oba river Confluence Oluponna in Ayedire LG

88 Ore Mysterious Tree Oluponna in Ayedire LG

89 Ogungbayiro Statue, Oluponna Oluponna


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Table 2 : Tourism and Economic Potential of Osun State through Ecological Survey with Prospect of

Attracting Foreign Investors

S/N RESOURCE LOCATION INDUSTRIAL USES

1. Clay Ipetumodu, Wasimi (Ikire) Ceramics, Sanitary wares insulators, Burnt bricks, China ware, Tiles and Roofing slates

2. Kaolin Iwo-Ede axis Ceramic porcelain, pharmaceutical products

3. Rice Erin Ijesa, Afinbiokin,Alabameta

via Ipetu-Ijesa.

Food, cake, alcoholics for juice for soft drinks

4. Forest (Teak Opepe,

Afara, Iroko trees

Dagbaja,Orisumbare,Sokoto,

Nomba

Roof and house furniture, paper and pulp, Brisquent (saw dust) particle board plant, wood extractives and adhensives pharmaceutical (herbal roots and unives)

5. Livestock Ede, Iwo, IlaOrangunIkirun,

OtanAiyegbaju, Igbajo, Eko end

Meat dairy and leather production, hides and skin

6. Cassava Ejigbo, Ilobu, Iwo, Ikirun, Ikire,

Apomu, Dagbaja, Ode Omu

Starch, Alcohol, Food Pharmaceuticals

7. Oil Palm Ikire, Iwo, Sekona, Dagbaja,

Orisunmbare, Onipanu, Apoti, Oba

Osogbo

Palm Oil, animal feed cake, paints, cosmetics

8. Palm Kernel Ikire, Iwo, Sekona, Dagbaja,

Orisunmbare, Onipanu, Apoti, Oba

Osogbo

Soap (Dudu Osun) Paints and cosmetics

9. Gold deposit Iperindo Jewelries

10. Bamboo Statewide House Furniture

11. Yam/Cocoyam Dagbaja, Ikirun, Ode Omu,

Ororuwo, Okuku, Imesi-Ile

Food Yam flour, cake and biscuit

12. Rubber Ede, Forest Reserve, Owena Rubber Lumps, cramps, Surgical gloves

13. Maize Statewide Animal feeds, starch, Pecotins, alcohols, adhensives, flour

14. Plantain/Banana Dagbaja, Ikirun, Apoti, Ode Omu,

Eti Oni, Ikire

Flour, Beverages, Chops, Jams, Alcoholics

15. Cocoa Ipetu-Ijesa, Ede, IgbajoIkirun, Cocoa Butter, Cake, beverage, Soap


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Dagbaja, Iragbiji

16. Cashew Ipetu-Ijesa, Iragbiji, Dagbaja,

Orisunmbare, Apoti

Jellies, Juice, Animals feeds, Oil seasoning, yeast, wine, alcohols

17. Kolanut Ikirun, Aagba, Dagbaja, Iragbji,

Ede, Ode Omu

Soft drinks, Stimulates, Insecticides, local drugs and gun

18. Mat Reed plant Ipetu-Ijesa, Ikeji-Ile Mats and bags

19. Vegetables State wide Pharmaceutical, Food, sauce and flavouring

20. Snails IkireApomu Snails sauce & delicacies

21. Mushroom Gbongan Mushroom sauce & delicacies

22. Bush meat State wide Meant sauce & delicacies

23 Granite/Limestone Erin Ijesa, Ikeji-Ije, Ikire, Erinmo

24 Tomatoes Ode Omu, Kajola, Onipetesi Tomato puree/ Tomato sauce

25 Mango, Guava,

Oranges

Inisa, Okuku, Ejigbo Canned Juice and beverages

26 Raffia Palm Owena, Ipetu-Ijesa, IkejiArakeji Bottled palm wine

27 Spring water Olumirn water fall Erin Ijesha Bottled water


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4.4SWOT ANALYSIS OF THE CULTURE AND TOURISM SECTOR IN OSUN


State Government well focused on transforming the State infrastructure to facilitate trade and commerce.

Large educated population

High population of youths than can transform the state to a digital hub.

Osun State is the foremost repository of Yoruba customs and traditions.

Large number of world class tertiary institutions and human capital.

Lack of information on tapped tourist resources which remain unexploited sources of wealth generation from international and national visitors; and,

Lack of information on tourism destinations, services and facilities.

Historical neglect of cultural centres.


Making the state’s museums or galleries accessible to all indigenous as well as to the rest of the world.

Electronic preservation and documentation of manuscripts and artifacts; and

Increasing accessibility of rare manuscripts and artifacts to researchers and the general public through the development of cultural CD-ROM products.

Attracting more tourists and other visitors by offering high-quality information and telecommunication services in tourist resorts;

Reducing the costs of international promotions for attracting tourists.

Re-branding the image of the state through online promotional campaigns.

Building local or state tourism-related databases for destinations and facilities

Providing a mechanism for virtual travel and information gathering utilizing the Internet; and

Provision of tourism-related information and indicators that encourage and facilitate investment in tourism projects.

Deteriorating resources for preservation of cultural heritage (monuments, manuscripts, artifacts, music, dance, drama etc

Lack of regional or local access to places of historical or cultural sites; and,

Lack of awareness and knowledge about different aspects of state indigenous arts & culture practices – language, cuisine, dressing, oral history & tradition.

Lack of educational promotion of cultural values in the Educational institutions.

Political competition for relevance and sometime violence.


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4.5 ICT Policy Statement on E-Culture

The Government in partnership with private sector and non-state actors, shall ensure the

preservation, documentation, promotion and facilitation of cultural and tourism potentials of the

State of Osun using information and communications technologies for both cultural identity and

economic opportunity.

4.6 Strategic objectives

1. Ensure the continuous flow of information within society by supporting initiatives to improve and create new information and communication service in different sectors –education, health, employment, culture, environment, trade, finance, tourism, transport and commerce;

2. Create a state wide information and telecommunication network that allows low-cost reliable communication with other users in Nigeria and across the globe;

3. Achieve maximum benefits from available information by encouraging the development of

systems that allows wide dissemination to individuals, business communities, non-governmental organizations (NGOS) and the public sector;

4. Train a new generation of men and women in the state who are able to use information and communication technologies to promote the development of their cultural heritage and tourism;Export knowledge and participate proactively in the development of the global information infrastructure;

5. Enable the people become producers of indigenous information and knowledge and not simply

passive consumers of imported information by encouraging the development of tourism and culture related businesses.

6. Provide cultural researchers and tourists (both local and foreign) with access to information

generated from within the state.

7. Promote state’s cultural heritage, including the modern cultural sector for its rich and growing film, music and tourism industries.

8. Develop and use software that addresses the variety of languages and materials used in the state

indigenous music and oral traditions through localization projects especially using open source platforms.

9. Encourage the development of value added information services including electronic publishing and networking facilities.

10. Develop a range of methods for information dissemination including printed materials developed

from on-line resources such as flash reports and indictors bulletins; and, online video advertising on such platforms like youtube.

11. Encourage the development of an “information brokerage” sector that can act as an

intermediary between the knowledge bases and the users.


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12. Using new low-cost terrestrial wireless and satellite communication systems to provide access for

rural and isolated area and ensure regional and international interconnectivity and interoperability of telecommunication networks;

13. Building reliable access networks to the global information infrastructure, including the internet.

14. Using simple interfaces for the non-literate and those unfamiliar with computers especially in local languages.

15. Developing broadband services and bandwidth-on-demand facilities for low-cost multimedia

application.

16. Using modern network management systems to optimize and monitor the use of the networks. 17. Establishing a clear set of standards and criteria by which to evaluate any information and

communication initiatives;

18. Using hardware, software and applications that take into account training and maintenance requirements for durability and ease of use;

19. Installing access systems in public places (kiosks and community telecentres) and mobile or easily

transportable systems to bring the information infrastructure closer to the general populations.

20. Create aweb portal and city or communitymanagement system dedicated to helping towns and cities within the State realize their roles both as prosperous locations for business and investment; and as focal points for vibrant, inclusive communities. The web portal will provide access to many interesting resources in the state.

21. Promote Video Documentaries and Adventure video gamesfor education at tourist sites.

22. Promote documented Research and Development in arts and culture practices of the people for

purpose of preservation and presentation.

23. Promote an Annual Osun State Art and indigenous music/dance festival.

24. Establish the Osun State Records & Archives

25. Promotion of the state international film festival and establishment of a film village for film practitioners.

26. Give recognition to various prominent founders heroes/heroines through the establishment of a

Heroes Museum/ Park in every Local Government.

27. Establish An OSUN STATE TOURISM COMMISSION

i. Responsible for the promotion of the state as a virile Tourist destination


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ii. Production of a directory and website of annual festivals, cultural and historical sites for business as well as tourist opportunities.

iii. Ecotourism – promotion of guided Tours for local & international visitors to major places of historical & cultural importance. This may entail the publication of Osun State visitors guide.

iv. Provision of an adequate structure for a public – private – participation model for investments in Tourism sector.

v. Linking private sector associations, NGOs and Universities/other tertiary institution for purpose of educational research/excursion

vi. Partnership with UNIDO, UNESCO, ITU, GKP & other international organization for purpose of patronage & support.

vii. Establishment of small scale/ or even large scale government industries from the numerous ecological resources available in the State (Table 2).


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5. POLICY ON E-GOVERNMENT

5.1 Vision:

Effective and efficient delivery of government services to the populace using ICT tools at affordable

cost where necessary.

5.2 Policy Statement:

The State of Osun shall adopt and implement intelligent, targeted eGoverment services, using

Information and Communications Technologies as key enabler to ensure effective and efficient

governance of the people.

5.3 Objectives:

a. The satisfaction of the user/customer shall be at the centre of this eGovernment policy with the

aim to transform how the people of the State and businesses engage with the state and reduce

the cost of public service delivery.

b. That ICT tools shall be used to solve challenges in public service delivery and ensure the

electronic delivery of public services becomes the norm.

c. That to create a global destination for good and services as well as to enjoy the benefits of the

huge tourism potentials of the State, an efficient eGovernment service is desirable and

compulsory.

d. To empower the people and bring government closer to the ordinary man, public services must

be accessible, affordable and enjoyable.

e. To sensitize and build capacity of the Public Service in the State of Osun to deliver on

government services using ICT.

5.4 Strategies for eGoverment in the State of Osun

1. There shall be for the State of Osun, a government portal www.osun.gov.ng with all public

bodies having a link on their website to the State portal/website.

2. Public bodies shall provide relevant information and transactional services online and through all

appropriate channels such as “Online Services” section of their website with clear indication of

deadlines, e.g. state examinations, scholarship applications, promotion examinations, loan

applications etc.

3. Public bodies shall optimize website content and design to achieve best placement in search

results and to improve traffic to and time spent on the website.

http://www.osun.gov.ng/


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4. Public bodies will continue to push out e-Financial services such as e-procurement portal, e-

invoicing and e-payment facilities appropriate to their customers’ requirementsthat will meet

national and global standards.

5. Public bodies will periodically review web provision of services to determine if an online or

offline “app” based and/ or mobile optimized approach could better facilitate mobile users.

When new e-Government services are being developed, these will where appropriate, be

designed to be usable on smartphones and other smart mobile devises.

6. All public bodies will develop a social media usage policy and will prepare a plan regarding how

they will maximize the potential of social media to improve access to services with approval from

the head of State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (MIST).

7. There shall be created a Public Information Board that will be responsible for the creation of

Public Information Centres in Local Government Headquarters and Community Information

Centres/Rural Information Technology Centres (RITCs) in all Towns and Cities with full internet

facilities to deliver public information and serve as avenues for accessing eGovernment services.

8. All public bodies will identify opportunities for using electronic collaboration tools to empower

citizens and businesses and to encourage their engagement.

9. An eGovernment services assessment website for feedback to government on various issues

shall be established to gather suggestions for improvements and recommendations for new

services, as well as a commentary on governance. A target of 50% (for citizens) and 80%

(businesses) is recommended by 2015.

10. A Budget tracking system that enables the public to track state implementation of budget shall

be created on the state web portal.

11. All public bodies will analyze existing and future legislations, regulations, and service procedures

in the work and processes of the Body to determine provisions that could promote the use of

electronic channels.

12. Public bodies will promote and direct users to electronic options whenever possible e.g via the

body’s official website, in press releases, on printed forms, information leaflets, letter heads,

email footers etc. and through the use of appropriate social networking channels.

13. All public bodies shall publish appropriate data in machine-readable formats to facilitate re-use

as part of State wide Open Data Policy and the National Freedom of Information Act.


36

14. Public bodies will evaluate the potential for exploiting digital mapping and GIS technologies in

ways that are affordable, sustainable and of relevance to the customer bases of their services,

taking into account the personal or commercial sensitivities of the data.

15. To avoid duplication, public bodies will identify data sets they hold that contain location based

data and will make these details available to other public bodies where appropriate to facilitate

greater area-based targeting of public services.

16. Public bodies will seek to extract maximum benefits from Post Codes and take cognizance of the

new National Addressing System when implemented.

17. Single customer view systems shall be developed to help in identification and authentication of

users of eGovernment services.

18. A Public Services Card that will include a customer’s photo identification and biodata with full

security and fraud proof measures shall be introduced for residents on the State with necessary

awareness about its value for accessing government services in the State.

19. Public bodies will promote practices and procedures that enable single point data capture for

cross systems use, both within and across organizations.

20. E-Government services shall be developed to support and facilitate national interoperability.

21. A Central Council on Information Management (CCIM) shall be established comprising the States

Chief Information Officer/head of MIST and ICT Desk Officers in All Ministries, Representatives of

the Nigerian Computer Society and Computer Professionals registration Council of Nigeria (Osun

Chapter) and other relevant Public Bodies for the development of central guidelines for reporting

on e-Government services, data sharing, and for periodic review of the State ICT Policy and

Implementation Strategies.

22. The Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (MIST) shall have full responsibility for the

development, and implementation of the State ICT Policy and shall be the focal point for

guidelines, frameworks and implementation strategies, whilst each department or public bodies

(ministries, agencies, commissions) shall have responsibility for delivery of eGoverment services

relevant to their own specific units.

23. All Heads of Department and Public Bodies in the State of Osun shall ensure the implementation

of this ICT Policy 2013-2015 under the coordination of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and

Technology.

24. There Shall be established for Osun State, an ICT Centre to provide technical support for central

implementation, testing of software and hardware, demonstrations, as well as training for

human capital development, for the implementation of the State ICT Policy.


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6. ICT POLICY ON HEALTH POLICY STATEMENT Osun State government shall invest in ICT based healthcare systems and re-engineering of healthcare

providers to ensure that all its citizens have access to good, affordable healthcare services.

6.1 BACKGROUND The Nigerian Health Sector Reform Programme identified seven strategic areas that required reform

initiatives:

Improving the stewardship role of Government,

Strengthening the national health system and its management,

Reducing the burden of disease,

Improving the availability of health resources and their management,

Improving access to quality health services,

Improving consumers awareness and community involvement, and

Promoting effective partnership, collaboration and coordination.

Initiatives that address these issues will go along way to address the main health challenges that have

been identified in Osun state as

Inadequate health facilities and personnel, especially in rural areas;

One of the highest infant and maternal mortality rate in Nigeria.

Among the lowest levels of life expectancy in Nigeria and,

Among the lowest ratio of doctors per capital.

6.2 SWOT ANALYSIS OF THE HEALTH SECTOR.


New investments in Health care services

Committed leadership and government to

transforming the health sector in Osun State.

Availability of modern medical facilities in

major towns and cities.

Presence of Two Teaching Hospitals one state

Lack of connected villages with ICTs,

especially community access points,

Poor connection of scientific and research

centers with ICTs, and

Lack of connection to internet services by

health centers and hospitals with ICTs.


38

and federal) that can facilitateHealthcare

human capital development and continuous

training.

Presence of computer-related courses and

departments in state universities.

Significant research breakthrough that

attracted the World Health Organization’s

attention in the 1980s.

Absence of medical helpline in Osun State.

Low level of ICT knowledge amongst health

workers


The need to strengthen the State Ministry of

Health in the provision of the required

enabling management and stewardship tools

in the areas of policy, framework, legislation,

financing, human and physical resources, etc.

The need to foster inter-sectoral

collaboration with other arms of government

and the wider society to guarantee the

effectiveness of the health sector’s

stewardship role,

The need to improve on the dissemination

and enforcement of health policy

implementation.

The need to accommodate the informal (such

as traditional medicine) and non-

governmental areas (such as community

based organizations) of the State’s health

sector.

Establishing a state health system which

encompasses public and private providers of

health services.

Lack of a state e-health policy that can serve

to deploy technology in an efficient manner.

Lack of funds to establish cottage hospitals

that can facilitate telemedicine

Poor ICT infrastructure that can facilitate

deployment of e-Services.

Poor access to emergency Healthcare

facilities


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The need to set out rights and duties of

health care providers, health workers, health

establishments and users, and

Protecting, respecting, promoting and

fulfilling the rights of the people of State of

Osun to the progressive realization of access

to health care services.

To meet these challenges, the WSIS Geneva Plan of Action advises the mainstreaming of ICTs especially

to connect villages with ICTs and establish community access points,

to connect scientific and research centers with ICTs, and

to connect health centers and hospitals with ICTs

Because some remote parts of the State still lack adequate health facilities and it is difficult to reach

them with adequate health delivery services, ICTs can greatly transform the way health service

deliveries is made available in these areas. With a well-defined and properly executed State-wide

telemedicine program ICTs can be used to bring health services closer to the people.

6.3 POLICY STATEMENT

Osun State government shall invest in ICT based healthcare systems and re-engineering of healthcare

providers to ensure that all its citizens have access to good, affordable healthcare services.

6.4 OBJECTIVES

1. Promote collaborative efforts of governments, planners, health professionals, and other agencies

along with the participation of international organizations for creating reliable, timely, high-

quality and affordable health care and health information systems and for promoting continuous

medical training, education, and research through the use of ICTs, while respecting and

protecting citizens’ right to privacy.

2. Facilitate access to the world’s medical knowledge and locally relevant content resources for

strengthening public health research and prevention programmes and promoting women’s and


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men’s health, such as content on sexual and reproductive health and sexually transmitted

infections, and for diseases that attract the full attention of the world, including HIV/AIDS,

malaria and tuberculosis.

3. Alert, monitor and control the spread of communicable diseases, through the improvement of

common information systems.

4. Promote the development of international standards for the exchange of health data, taking due

account of privacy concerns.

5. Encourage the adoption of ICTs to improve and extend health care and health information

systems to remote and underserved areas and vulnerable populations, recognizing women’s

roles as health providers in their families and communities.

6. Strengthen and expand ICT-based initiatives for providing medical and humanitarian assistance

in disasters and emergencies.

7. To improve the efficiency of patient care and reduce cost of healthcare delivery.

8. To deploy IT for the development of drug information, records and bibliographic records.

9. To deploy IT as a research tool and means of disseminating information. and control of

epidemics.

10. To reduce costs and improve productivity of healthcare administration and delivery.

11. To deploy IT for use in distance learning for medical professionals.

12. To use IT based healthcare information system to educate on preventable diseases.

6.5 STRATEGIES

1. Capitalise on existing global IT infrastructure that connect, via email, medical personnel at all

levels in the state to each other, and to select health experts in developed countries.

2. Networking all healthcare institutions to collate information, share data and communicate on

line

3. Establishing full Internet connectivity and access for healthcare professionals at all levels

(primary, secondary and tertiary).

4. Making IT skills acquisition mandatory for all healthcare professionals and aim at achieving

computer literacy within 24 months.

5. Including IT courses in the curricula of all medical and paramedical education institutions.

6. Establishing a network of co-operating centres/institutions for training education, software

development and research to produce the software and necessary human resources needed.


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7. Coordinate mobilization of national and international resources for training, research and

infrastructural development through universities R&D programmes and collaboration with

funding agencies.

8. Monitoring and Evaluation of e-health delivery services and preparation of periodic reports for

analysis and benchmarking with global best practices.

9. Deploy Software packages for the three levels of healthcare delivery, primarily to support clinical

work and hospital management within the health facilities, so that the state/federal information

statistics is produced as a natural by product of the daily operations.

10. Mandating local/state/federal government authorities to accumulate the information coming

from all levels of healthcare delivery and also to produce the combined statistics primarily to

support the decision making by the authorities.

11. Encourage the adoption of ICTs to improve and extend health care and health information

systems to remote and underserved areas and vulnerable populations, recognizing women’s

roles as health providers in their families and communities.

12. Strengthen and expand ICT-based initiatives for providing medical and humanitarian assistance

in disasters and emergencies.

When appropriately applied, the benefits of ICT in health can lead to positive transformations in health

systems and services. They also improve the interactions between individuals, institutions, communities

and governments. The WHO emphasizes the need to invest in the development of ICT infrastructure for

health in such a way that it ensures equitable, affordable and universal access.

The inclusion of all stakeholders makes it possible and mandatory to use of ICT to include sectors such as

traditional medicine care givers, traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and Community Based Organizations

(CBOs).


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7. General Rules for Implementing ICT Policy

1. Promote youth involvement in IT Policy making

2. Making access to ICT a human right of every child,

3. Government should promote IT penetration in rural areas

4. IT should form a critical part of Local/State development and Governance process.

5. Creating awareness about the IT policy itself and also implementing the policy as much as

possible.

6. Provision of specialized ICT centres of learning, especially in rural areas

7. Providing adequate funding for ICT projects;

8. Incorporating ICT into every sector of the State economy;

9. Provision of enabling environment for the growth of ICT in the state

10. The Policy should encourage and promote research and Development (R&D) around ICT issues

11. ICT should be incorporated into the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme

12. Legislation on the use of internet resources by under-aged children

13. The policy should comply with National cyber-crime laws and legislation in internet fraud.

14. Making ICT education compulsory in schools;

15. Internet connection points (or ports) should be part of the design of new buildings

16. Provision of a State ICT infrastructure

17. Establish ICT Education centres

18. Create Awareness about ICTs

19. The cost of ICTS should be brought down to the affordable level;

20. Create partnerships and community on ICT4D issues and projects;

21. ICT Centres should be created in schools to promote skills acquisition.


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8. PARTNERSHIPS, FUNDING AND INVESTMENT.

a. POLICY STATEMENT

The State of Osun shall pursue a funding, partnership and investment model in ICT that creates opportunities for private sector led initiatives that are beneficial for the State, in addition to setting aside 2percent (2%) of the States monthly allocation into an ICT Development Fund.

POLICY OBJECTIVES

i. Create a dedicated pool of funds to support ICT initiatives by the government. ii. Establish framework for Public-Private and Private Sector led investment opportunities in ICT.

iii. Facilitate ICT project financing using PPP Models. iv. Facilitate partnership with Civil Society, Embassies, International Donor Foundations and Social

Enterprises for the development of the ICT sector and the implementation of the ICT Policy.

POLICY STRATEGIES

i. Establish an Osun State ICT Development FUND into which two percent (2%) of the monthly allocation to the state shall be paid.

ii. Establish a Board of Trustees to manage the FUND iii. Develop a PPP Financing framework to support private sector led investment initiatives in ICT.

9. GOVERNANCE: LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

POLICY STATEMENT: There shall be established for the State of Osun an ICT Development Agency to implement this ICT Policy and all other functions deemed necessary to promote the integration of the State of Osun into the Global Information Society. POLICY OBJECTIVES i. Create an Agency to Coordinate ICT initiatives in Osun State. ii. Liaise and establish relationships with all stakeholders in ICT in the State, the Federation and the

Global sphere without let or hindrance. iii. Facilitate effective administration of the ICT landscape in the State of Osun. POLICY STRATEGIES

i. Establish an OSUN STATE ICT Development Agency ii. Equip and hire requisite manpower to facilitate the functions of the Agency. iii. Coordinate ICT Policy Implementation in the State of Osun. iv. Chair and coordinate the Central Council on Information Management (CCIM Council) v. Establish a Cabinet level position for the Head of ICT in Osun State.


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10. POLICY REVIEW, MONITORING AND EVALUATION

This Policy creates a central organization responsible for implementing the policy. The Body will publish periodic reports to report on the following indicators and how ICT is facilitating development. The Central Council on Information Management (CCIM Council) shall conduct periodic scheduled review of the policy to guarantee currency and in tandem with best global practices, a four year review process is recommended.

The Council will cause to be published an Annual Report using the WSIS reporting framework:

Action line C1 – The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development C1.1 State e-strategies C1.2 ICT for development in MDAs C1.3 Public-private and multistakeholder partnerships in developing and implementing state e-strategies C1.4 Other examples Action line C2 – Information and Communication Infrastructure: An Essential Foundation for the Information Society C2.1 Infrastructure and Broadband C2.2 ICT for all and Connectivity for Public Access Institutions C2.3 Adequate and affordable ICT equipment and services C2.4 International and Regional Cooperation Action line C3 – Access to Information and Knowledge C3.1 Policy and Legislation C3.2 Information Access C3.3 Research and Development C3.4 Software and Open access C3.5 Community Centres C3.6 Digital libraries and Archives Action line C4 – Capacity Building C4.1 ICT Literacy C4.2 National policies C4.3 ICT for professionals and experts C4.4 Distance Learning C4.5 International and Regional Cooperation Action line C5 – Building confidence and security in the use of ICTs C5.1 Legal Measures C5.2 Technical and Procedural Measures C5.3 Organizational Structure C5.4 Capacity Building C5.5 International Cooperation


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Action line C6 – Enabling environment C6.1 Policy, regulatory and legal reforms C6.2 Internet-related law and governance C6.3 Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises C6.4 Consumer-related policy and dispute resolution Action line C7 – ICT Applications: Benefits in all aspects of life C7.1 E-Government C7.2 E-Business C7.3 E-Health C7.4 E-Employment C7.5 E-Learning C7.6 E-Agriculture C7.7 E-Environment C7.8 E-Science Action line C8 – Cultural diversity and identity, linguistic diversity and local content C8.1 – Culture C8.2 – Tourism C8.3 – Local Content Action line C9 – Media Action line C10 – Ethical dimensions of the Information Society Action line C11 – International and Regional Cooperation

To develop the above an evaluation metrics shall also be developed using the following template:

Baseline Indicators of Access to and use of ICT in Households o State of Information Security o Assess impact of ICT o Specific ICT plan action implementation

Baseline Indicators of e-agriculture o No of Farmers with access to ICT o No of ICT Investments in agriculture o % Improvement in agriculture traceable to ICT

Baseline Indicators of e-health o No of Hospitals with Health Information Management Systems o No of Telemedicine operations o No of households with Online health management

Baseline Indicators of e-business o No of e-Commerce transactions from Osun State o No of Osun based businesses that are online o No of government business that is online.

Baseline Indicators of e-Government o Extent of e-mail and Internet usage o Availability of a website, Domain name registration .ng?


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o Services provided via their respective websites. o Hardware and Network Status o Inventory of the number of computers, laptops and other ICT related equipment o State and Types of Internet connectivity, network environment, types of connectivity o ICT Usage and Applications o level of ICT usage in day to day work, standard information technology toolssuch as word

processing, spread sheets, databases, presentations, e-mail and Internet o Application packages in use o Operating Systems in use o What kinds of application packages for payroll, accounting, etc?

Finance

a. Different budget for ICT related expenditures? b. ICT sources of funding

Baseline Indicators of e-Education and Human Capacity Development o Evidence of ICT manpower plan o Level of ICT literacy, how ICT skills were acquired, user training programmes attended. o ICT Staff – number, their academic and professionals qualifications and what types of

specific training is provided to them?

Baseline Indicators for e-Infrastructure o Surveys carried out on ICT in Osun state – current spread, connection, etc o Number of ICT centers, companies and training institutions o ICT workforce in government and in Osun state o Level of ICT Literacy, ICT professional skills o Computer ownership process especially in government and tertiary institutions. o Internet penetration statewide. o Service Providers o Software, Hardware, networking environment, Training, Connectivity and other providers

(under the policy they must register with your office) o Information Security o ICT related security problems faced o security software installed o Support and Maintenance, Quality of Service Issues

Baseline Indicators for e-Culture and Tourism

The Annual Report should cover the following statistics: a. Fixed-telephone subscriptions b. Mobile-cellular subscriptions c. Active mobile-broadband subscriptions d. Fixed (wired)-broadband subscriptions e. Households with a computer f. Households with Internet access at home g. Individuals using the Internet h. No of schools with ICT Centres i. No of Students with access to ICT tools.


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a. Economic Development Indicators b. Social Development Indicators c. Innovation, Science and Technology Indicators d. ICT Indicators using the United National Methods for M& E

a. School surveys on facilities, resources and use of technology. b. Survey of Government Agencies on facilities, resources and use of technology. c. Published Statistics (there must be a focal point for ICT Statistics) d. Panel of Experts. e. Field Visits.

A copy of the Annual report shall be sent to NITDA and the World Summit on Information Society Annual Review Forum which holds in Geneva May every year as well as downloadable on www.osun.gov.ng.

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