Just as FG described as strategic to its plan to build a digital Nigeria for all citizens, according to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami.
He made this disclosure during the launch of the Tech Experience Centre located at the high-rise Yudala Heights on 13 Idowu Martins, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday, October 1st, 2020, Nigeria’s 60th Independence Anniversary. The Minister, who was the Special Guest of Honour, expressed delight with the project, even as he conveyed the feelings of President Muhammadu Buhari on the launch of the massive initiative.
The Centre houses a convergence of
globally renowned tech giants such as Cisco, HP, Microsoft, Dell Technologies,
Zinox, Schneider Electric, Samsung, Apple and Bosch, among others, all under
one roof to create an immersive experience of the latest technologies.
‘‘I am delighted to be here today to
witness the commissioning of this landmark project. I am here to convey the
regards of President Muhammadu Buhari who has been instrumental to the current
drive of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy for the ICT
sector to achieve a Digital Nigeria.
‘‘We are happy to see this huge
technology initiative become a reality as it shows the private sector has
bought into our visions for Nigeria. Achieving a Digital Nigeria is not the
responsibility of government alone. The role of government is to come up with
the right policies and create the enabling environment while the private sector
also supports the efforts of government. This Tech Experience Centre is very
strategic to the seven pillars of our digital economy strategy which include: Digital
Literacy and Skills Development; Service Infrastructure; Solid Infrastructure;
Digital Services Promotion and Development; Soft Infrastructure; Digital
Societies and Emerging Technologies and lastly Indigenous Content Development.
‘‘I wish to commend TD Africa and the
Zinox Chairman, Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh for their efforts in birthing this Tech
Experience Centre which we are certain will create a huge opportunity for our
youths and many other Nigerians,’’ he disclosed.
Also speaking at the event, Chief Host, Lagos
State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu hailed the management of TD Africa for the
bold initiative, even as he disclosed that the Lagos State Government is
already laying the foundation for the state to be the technology hub of Nigeria
and West Africa.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the
Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat emphasised the important role of technology
as a game-changer in any society.
“Technology provides data and it is the
most effective way to achieve the ease of doing business. Data is the new
currency. Any company that does not have a good database will collapse as it
helps in the ease of doing business.
“Technology also helps in managing
information. It is used in security, education and to collect data in the
hospitals. Nigeria needs to urgently harness the use of technology to develop
the nation,” he said
‘‘I commend the Zinox Chairman and TD
Africa on the launch of this impressive technology project. Indeed, technology
is the pillar of all the plans of the present administration in Lagos. In order
to maximize the potential of the state, the deployment of technology is very
critical,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman,
Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, commended the Federal Government and the Lagos
State government for their increased emphasis on the technology sector. Ekeh, a
serial digital entrepreneur, described the renaming of the Ministry of
Communications by President Buhari with the addition of Digital Economy as a
masterstroke, even as he heaped praises on Dr. Pantami for his sterling
leadership. The Zinox boss, who revealed
that technology is the currency of new wealth in the 21st Century,
revealed that the sector holds the key to the future of Nigeria’s digital
wealth. Consequently, he called on the Federal Government to empower the youth
especially in ICT, noting that Nigeria is the only place in the world where
tech guys are among the poorest.
“Government needs to encourage the youths
by empowering them as most of them work in that sector. Also, many youths are
equally interested in developing the country through technology so they need to
be empowered,” he said
In addition, he praised the Lagos State
Government for creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive,
urging business owners to take advantage of the opportunity to invest in the
state.
In her opening address, Head of the Tech
Experience Centre, Chidalu Ekeh revealed that the Tech Experience Centre will
play a key role in building local capacity and growing the Nigerian economy.
She said: ‘‘Right here and in this
building, we are placing cutting-edge technology from the biggest tech giants
at the fingertips of every Nigerian. As a matter of fact, we are not only
bridging the gap to these technologies but also boosting local participation in
the global technology ecosystem and increased adoption of technology by our
people. We are excited by the multiple collaborations that would emerge from
this landmark initiative, especially in view of its potential multiplier
effects in re-writing our technology narrative and boosting the Nigerian
economy.
‘‘The Tech Experience Centre will also play a very essential role in building capacity among Nigerians. Specifically, we intend to build an army of digitally-compliant youths and global citizens by exposing them to advanced trainings and certifications in the area of Information Technology, with many of them subsequently expected to build apps, crafts and other solutions that will address peculiar challenges in Nigeria or even solve global problems.’’
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