Ogun HoS Praises Abiodun’s Push for AI-Driven Public Service Overhaul

ABEOKUTA—Ogun State is racing ahead in Nigeria’s digital race, with its public service poised to become a national benchmark for tech-driven governance.

That’s the bold claim from Head of Service Kehinde Onasanya, who kicked off a pivotal two-day Executive Strategic Retreat on AI Leadership and Digital Transformation this week. Hosted at the Tech Hub on Kobape Road and backed by GFA Technologies and the US Consulate General, the event drew top civil servants—including permanent secretaries, accountants general, and medical directors—to tackle inefficiencies head-on.

Onasanya didn’t hold back in praising Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun. “This administration puts innovation at the heart of governance,” he declared, spotlighting Abiodun’s “forward-looking initiatives” reshaping service delivery. From AI-powered lesson planning in schools to centralized geospatial data platforms, Ogun’s investments signal a clear modernization blueprint, he added.

Recent state reports highlight the momentum: OgunLEARN, launched last year, now equips over 500 schools with digital tools for personalized learning and real-time progress tracking, slashing administrative delays by up to 40% according to Ministry of Education data. Meanwhile, the Ogun State Spatial Data Infrastructure—rolled out in phases since 2024—integrates mapping across ministries, aiding everything from flood-prone area planning in Abeokuta to transparent land allocation, as noted in a February 2026 government whitepaper.

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“This retreat embodies that vision,” Onasanya told participants. “It shows trust in our civil service to adapt to global tech shifts.” He urged them to confront real-world hurdles like sluggish file movements, memo bottlenecks, and patchy data access—issues that no modern government can afford in an era of seamless automation.

The HoS called for bold action: ditch fragmented systems, embrace integration, and foster environments where fresh ideas flourish. Attendees, from Permanent Secretaries in Establishments, Justice, and Industry to the Chief Medical Director of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), nodded in agreement.

GFA Technologies CEO Adebola Omololu, the convener, hailed Ogun’s “promptness and seriousness” as unmatched among peers. “You’re here to build tools that streamline MDAs and supercharge internally generated revenue,” he said, pointing to pilot AI analytics already plugging revenue leakages in local councils.

A US Consulate partner, Tunji Oke, representing the American Corner venue, emphasized strengthened ties for AI specialization and leadership training—part of broader US-Nigeria tech diplomacy.

Participants raved in interviews. Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi (Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs) sees it boosting revenue collection; Engr. Kehinde Akintomide (Industry, Trade and Investments) eyes leakage blocks; and OOUTH’s Dr. Olubunmi Fatungase predicts sharper data handling for healthcare. Mrs. Feyisara Bolarinwa-Adebowale (Bureau of Public Procurement) and others flagged gains in e-platform upgrades across MDAs.

As Nigeria grapples with digital divides, Ogun’s strides—fueled by Abiodun’s tech-first agenda—could inspire peers, promising leaner bureaucracy and smarter services for citizens.

Tunde Olayiwola & Omolara Osindele
Office of the Head of Service