By Stellamaris Ashinze
The Lagos State Government says it is funding 90 research and development projects while deploying 3,000 kilometres of fibre-optic network to boost innovation.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed this on Tuesday at the Women in Technology and Engineering Summit and Awards (WITESA 5.0) in Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Olatunbosun Alake, he said Lagos remained Nigeria’s largest public-sector investor in innovation.
Sanwo-Olu said the state supports about 90 R&D initiatives across four major universities, funding innovators, solving real-world development challenges.
He added that Lagos continues to invest in digital governance, broadband expansion and smart-city systems to strengthen its global competitiveness.
“More than 3,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable were laid between 2019 and 2025, expanding connectivity and supporting economic growth,” he said.
He noted persistent gender gaps in STEM, in spite of evidence that diverse teams deliver stronger innovation outcomes across sectors.
“This is not merely a gender issue; it is an economic and competitiveness issue. Africa cannot afford to leave half of its talent pool behind,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu urged stronger collaboration among governments, academia and industry to expand women’s participation in the digital economy.
Convener of WITESA 5.0, Motunrayo Opayinka, said innovation achieved full impact only when women occupy leadership and decision-making roles.
She said the summit, organised by Womenovate and Tech Revolution Africa, was created to amplify women engagement in STEM.
“The future of Africa will be shaped by women, and innovation reaches its fullest potential when women are leaders, creators and entrepreneurs,” she said.
Co-convener, David Ogebe, said women remained underrepresented in engineering and technology in spite of decades of advocacy.
According to him, global female representation stands at about 26 per cent in engineering, while technology participation remains around 15 per cent.
Ogebe called for stronger mentorship by established professionals to help young women access opportunities and close persistent gender gaps.
“The path has been paved. What was not possible 20 years ago is possible today. Young women must seize the opportunities,” he said.
He added that inclusive ecosystems remained essential to accelerating Africa’s long-term technological transformation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Florence Onuegbu / Kamal Tayo Oropo