BANGKOK/Thailand: Delta State’s digital transformation and innovation agenda has received international exposure 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 gathering, where policymakers, healthcare professionals, technology experts, industry players and other stakeholders from more than 60 countries examined emerging approaches to sustainable healthcare and human well-being.
The summit, held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, provided an international platform for discussions on digital health, artificial intelligence, telemedicine, healthcare accessibility and responsible innovation.
Representing Nigeria at the summit, Osiobe participated in discussions on “Digital Health, Artificial Intelligence and Responsible Innovation in Sustaining Global Health and Well-Being,” bringing issues around technology and access to healthcare into the wider international conversation.
His intervention focused on the growing role of digital platforms in healthcare and the need to ensure that technological advancement is matched by accuracy, professional oversight and responsible use.
Osiobe observed that while digital platforms had made health information more accessible, the abundance of information online did not necessarily translate into access to reliable medical knowledge.
He expressed concern about the increasing circulation of unverified health information, particularly through social media, noting that such information could influence personal health decisions and have wider consequences for individuals and communities.
He argued that digital health policies should therefore move beyond simply providing access to information and place greater emphasis on the credibility of information, professional guidance and safeguards for users.
A major part of his presentation was the potential of telemedicine to reduce geographical barriers to healthcare.
Osiobe proposed stronger digital systems through which individuals could, where legally and clinically appropriate, connect with verified healthcare professionals beyond their immediate locations.
He said such platforms could expand access to professional medical advice, particularly for people living in areas where specialist healthcare services may not be readily available.
On Artificial Intelligence, the Delta State government official identified several areas where the technology could support healthcare delivery, including health education, language translation, medical research, data analysis, early identification of health risks and access to credible health information.
He, however, stressed that AI should remain a supporting tool rather than a replacement for qualified healthcare professionals.
According to him, the application of AI in healthcare must be guided by human oversight, ethical standards, scientific evidence, data protection and appropriate safeguards.
The international engagement provides another platform for Delta State’s technology and innovation efforts to connect with wider global discussions around emerging technologies and public-sector development.
Under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, technology and innovation have increasingly featured in discussions around improving governance, strengthening public services and creating opportunities for young people and professionals in the state.
Osiobe commended Governor Oborevwori for what he described as the administration’s support for initiatives that enable professionals from Delta to participate in international engagements and bring global perspectives into the state’s development process.
He also acknowledged the role of the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, in the state’s healthcare development efforts.
Osiobe expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori, saying the opportunity to participate in international engagements demonstrated the importance of creating platforms through which Nigerian professionals could contribute to global conversations.
For Delta State, his participation also highlights the growing intersection between technology, healthcare and governance, as governments worldwide explore digital tools to improve service delivery and expand access to essential services.
Osiobe urged Nigerians and Deltans to continue investing in knowledge, innovation, digital infrastructure and professional capacity, saying the country’s professionals have the capacity to contribute meaningfully to international development discussions when given the opportunity.
The Bangkok engagement has consequently placed Delta’s technology and innovation conversation within a broader global discussion on the future of healthcare, artificial intelligence and responsible digital transformation.