The Osun State Government has rolled out Imole Wi-Fi, a free public internet service aimed at boosting digital access and creating new opportunities for residents, students, entrepreneurs, and communities across the state.

The initiative, officially unveiled in Osogbo, marks one of the key pillars of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s digital economy agenda. Speaking at the launch, the governor described the programme as a bold investment in human capital and a major step toward transforming Osun into a digitally empowered state. “Imole Wi-Fi is more than just internet access—it is a gateway to learning, innovation, and economic growth,” Governor Adeleke said.

“Our goal is to remove barriers, especially for young people, students, and small business owners who often struggle with the high cost of data. With this project, Osun is opening new doors of opportunity for its people.” First Phase Deployment The free internet service is already active in strategic locations, including the Osun State Library, Alphastart Innovation Hub, Osun Mall, Salvation Army Middle School, Osogbo Grammar School, and several government facilities.

According to officials, these sites were selected to ensure that the service immediately benefits students, entrepreneurs, and the wider public. Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Enlightenment, noted that the initiative is part of a broader push to embed digital innovation into the state’s economic framework. He explained that the programme would be expanded gradually, covering more schools, libraries, business hubs, and eventually rural communities.

The Special Adviser on Innovation, Science, Technology and Digital Economy, who is overseeing the project, added that the government is working on ensuring that the network remains sustainable. Plans include expanding bandwidth capacity, maintaining reliable uptime, and safeguarding user privacy.

He also hinted at possible collaborations with telecoms providers and development partners in future phases. Benefits for Education, Business, and Health Stakeholders have welcomed Imole Wi-Fi as a lifeline for education. Teachers and students in Osun have long faced challenges with expensive data costs, limiting their access to online learning platforms, research materials, and virtual classrooms.

With free internet in schools and libraries, students will now be better positioned to compete academically on a national and global scale. Small businesses and entrepreneurs are also expected to benefit. Free access to the internet will allow traders and startups to explore e-commerce opportunities, connect with digital markets, and make use of online payment systems. Farmers, too, can take advantage of the service to receive market information, weather forecasts, and agricultural advisories. Healthcare delivery may also see improvements, as hospitals and clinics could leverage free connectivity for telemedicine, digital record-keeping, and quicker access to medical resources.

Looking Ahead While the project has been praised as a forward-looking initiative, analysts caution that its long-term impact will depend on how well it is maintained and scaled. Concerns about sustainability, coverage in rural communities, and cybersecurity safeguards remain areas the government will need to address as the project grows.

Nevertheless, Imole Wi-Fi has been hailed as a groundbreaking step in Osun’s journey toward becoming a digitally connected state. By providing free internet to its people, the government hopes to spark innovation, enhance learning, and strengthen the state’s economy in the digital era.

The government has encouraged residents to take full advantage of the service and to report any technical difficulties through the Office of Innovation, Science, Technology and Digital Economy. More locations are expected to come online in the next rollout phases.