The first lady, Senator (Mrs) Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday in Asaba, said the federal government is committed to the nation’s rapid development through digital technology innovations.
The first lady made the disclosure in her address at the official commissioning and handing over ceremony of a digital learning centre to Model Technical College, Asaba, the Delta capital.
Represented by the wife of the Delta governor, Mrs Tobore Oborovwori, Tinubu noted that a technology-driven system of learning is the bedrock of educational development of any nation.
“In today’s changing world, digital knowledge is no longer optional, but a very essential and necessary tool to learning in advancing all round development of our nation.
“The Renewed Hope Initiative, working in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA ) is committed to advancing national development by providing our people access to modern technology,” Tinubu said.
In a welcome address, the Director-General of the NITDA, Mr Kashifu Abdullahi said the inauguration of the IT learning centre in Asaba is a testament to the fact that the federal government was truly determined to make technology available to the citizens.
Abdullahi, who was represented by Dr Dimie Wariowei, enjoined the beneficiary, Model Technical College, Asaba to make good use of the IT centre for the educational needs of its students.
“The NITDA is undertaking this project in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of the first lady, this centre we are inaugurating today in Asaba is one among the ten that is being inaugurated today across the country.
“Out of this ten IT centres being inaugurated today, the South-South region happens to get two, one here in Asaba and the other, in Irrua, Edo State,” Abdullahi said.
Also in an address, the Delta Commissioner for Technical Education, Mr Smart Ufoh lauded the federal government for the inauguration of the IT centre in Asaba.
He said the centre, when fully utilized, would help improve learning and enhance the student educational skills and knowledge in the face of challenges in the nation’s education system.
“This facility will undoubtedly serve as a hub for innovation, creativity and skills acquisition, thereby empowering our students with the digital literacy and technical competence necessary to excel in today’s technology-driven world.
“It also stands as a clear testament of the federal government’s dedication to bridging the digital divide and fostering a culture of technological progress in our nation,” Ufoh said.
The Principal of the College, Mrs Violet Uwajare, in her appreciation, expressed gratitude to NITDA and the RHI, saying the IT centre would go a long way in rewriting the learning system in the school.
“This IT centre is no doubt a remarkable gesture, one that speaks volume to the federal government’s commitment to education in Nigeria.
“This centre is not just an ordinary learning tool, but a broad-based initiative that provides opportunity where our students can dream big and achieve those dreams.
“There is no doubt that this IT centre will leave a lasting legacy in the system of learning in this college,” Uwajare said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mrs Tobore Oborovwori, who stood in for the first lady, was equally represented at the ceremony by the wife of the Secretary to the Delta Government (SSG), Dr (Mrs) Josephine Emu.
Highlights of the ceremony was the official cutting of tape/unveiling of the IT centre by the representative of the first lady.
There was also a cultural dance by students of the Model Technical College, Asaba who entertained guests with a colourful display of Anioma people’s culture.
(NAN)
