Eunice Olile
In a bid to bridge the gap of digital divide and deepen digital economy, the Federal Government has inaugurated a state-of-the-art ICT Centre in Akesan community, Alimosho LCDA, area of Lagos, aimed at empowering youths with critical digital skills.
Commissioning the Centre, the Director, National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa, explained that the facility will help expand access to digital literacy and economic opportunities for youngsters in the community.
In an address of welcome, Mr. Inuwa who described the centre as a vital part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda to accelerate economic diversification through digitisation, innovation and ensuring every community are among the National prosperity, said the facility will serve as catalyst of change for the community.
He noted that the centre will also serve as a launchpad for young people in the community to acquire global relevance digital skills, create startups, and develop innovative solutions that can compete internationally.
” This centre represents the President’s commitment to digitally inclusive Nigeria, where every citizen regardless of societal or social status has access to digital infrastructure and skills”
Mr. Inuwa who said the Centre is open to both students and members of the community, urged the communities to take ownership of the project and ensure its full utilisation by putting it in good use to achieve it’s purpose to unlocking opportunities in the area.
” To ensure and encourage you to put it in a good use because we call it a community centre, we want everybody to be part of it, so come with a sustainable modern”
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who was represented by the Director E-Governnment, Mr. Johnson Bayare, who emphasized that the gesture will bring innovation closer to the people, and make it part of their everyday activities, pointed out that Lagos often signals a stronger push toward inclusive digital development.
“Here in Lagos, the Community Centre will serve as a hub for, Digital skills development through the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme;, Support for startups, creatives, and tech entrepreneurs who are building globally competitive solutions; Regulatory guidance and advisory for safe, inclusive innovation; and Collaboration with local institutions, private sector actors, and communities that are shaping the future of our digital economy”.
The event which featured the handing over, has in attendance, students from both universities and secondary schools, community leaders and other stakeholders.