Delta State’s technology and innovation drive has gained international visibility following the participation of the state’s Webmaster, Mr Louis Zuokumor Osiobe, at the Second World Summit on Sustainable Health and Well-Being in Bangkok, Thailand
Osiobe, an aide to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented Nigeria at the global summit, which brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, technology experts, industry stakeholders and other participants from more than 60 countries to examine emerging approaches to sustainable healthcare and human well-being
Held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, the summit provided a platform for discussions on digital health, artificial intelligence, telemedicine, healthcare accessibility and responsible technological innovation
Osiobe contributed to a session on “Digital Health, Artificial Intelligence and Responsible Innovation in Sustaining Global Health and Well-Being,” where he highlighted the opportunities and challenges associated with the growing use of digital technologies in healthcare
He drew attention to the distinction between access to information and access to reliable health knowledge, noting that the rapid expansion of online platforms had made health information more readily available but had also increased the circulation of unverified and potentially misleading medical content
According to him, the increasing dependence on social media and other digital platforms for health-related information makes accuracy, professional oversight and responsible communication increasingly important
He therefore advocated digital health policies that would not only expand access to information but also promote credible sources, professional guidance and safeguards capable of protecting users from misinformationOsiobe also highlighted telemedicine as an important avenue for reducing geographical barriers to healthcare, particularly for people living in communities where specialist medical services are limited.
He proposed stronger digital systems that would, within appropriate legal and clinical frameworks, enable patients to connect with verified healthcare professionals regardless of their locationSuch platforms, he noted, could complement existing healthcare structures by improving access to professional advice and specialist services.
On artificial intelligence, Osiobe identified health education, language translation, medical research, data analysis, early identification of health risks and access to credible health information among areas where the technology could contribute to healthcare delivery
He, however, stressed that AI should complement rather than replace qualified healthcare professionals
He maintained that the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare must be anchored on human oversight, ethical standards, scientific evidence, data protection and appropriate safeguards
The Bangkok engagement also provided an opportunity to place Delta State’s technology and innovation efforts within the wider international conversation on emerging technologies, healthcare and public-sector development
Technology and innovation have featured increasingly in discussions around governance, public service delivery and opportunities for young people and professionals in Delta State under the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori
Osiobe commended Governor Oborevwori for what he described as the administration’s support for initiatives that provide professionals from Delta with opportunities to participate in international engagements and bring global perspectives into the state’s development process
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, to healthcare development in the state
Osiobe expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for creating opportunities for Nigerian professionals to participate in international engagements, saying such platforms enable them to contribute their expertise to global development conversations
For Delta State, the participation underscores the growing connection between technology, healthcare and governance as governments and institutions across the world explore digital solutions for improving service delivery and expanding access to essential servicesOsiobe urged Nigerians and Deltans to continue investing in knowledge, innovation, digital infrastructure and professional capacity, stressing that Nigerian professionals have the expertise to make meaningful contributions to international development discussions when given the opportunity.
The Bangkok summit has consequently provided a broader international platform for conversations around Delta State’s technology and innovation agenda, while highlighting the emerging role of digital transformation, artificial intelligence and responsible innovation in the future of healthcare