The Chinese Consulate General in Lagos and the Lekki Free Zone Development Company (LFZDC) have launched an Information Communication Technology (ICT) Centre in Lagos.
The ICT Centre located at the Community Senior Secondary School in Akodo, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos will among other goals enhance learning efficiency and boost IT literacy among the students.
The inauguration ceremony of the new ICT Centre that held on Thursday in Akodo, Lagos was attended by Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Ms. Yan Yuqinq, Consul General of the Lagos Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China, and Mr. Dai Shunfa, Managing Director of the Lekki Free Zone Development Company, among other guests.
An ICT Centre normally encompasses a blend of manufacturing and service industries that facilitate the capture, transmission, and display of data and information electronically. The primary objectives of these ICT centres are to enhance learning efficiency, alleviate the workload of teachers, streamline information sharing, boost student motivation, and enhance the IT literacy of students. An established ICT Centre is expected to be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including a computer lab, internet access, audio/visual tools, wireless networks, an e-library, cell phones, and other communication mediums.
During the inauguration ceremony of the ICT Centre, which was jointly initiated and funded by the Chinese Consulate General in Lagos, and a Chinese Enterprise represented by LFZDC, the Lagos State Commissioner commended the investment and dedication.
The project underscores the Chinese Government and Enterprises’ commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), demonstrating their dedication to providing positive social value through their operations, according to the Commissioner.
“The building of the ICT Centre” Mrs Ambrose-Medebem says, “demonstrated a commitment by businesses in the Lekki Free Zone to make a difference by giving back to the community and showed a resolve to be responsive to the needs of stakeholders. Today’s ceremony underscored the deep commitment of the Chinese Consulate and Enterprises to transform the lives of students and teachers within Akodo and Lekki communities by giving them training in digital skills and a variety of other technology-related services”.
Emphasizing the importance of ICT knowledge in today’s era of rapid digitization and burgeoning Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Commissioner notes that the ICT Centre is set to become a significant educational resource that will boost the interest of students in the community, leading to increased enrollment and a reduction in youth illiteracy within the region.
The project not only complements Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s efforts to promote ICT knowledge in the state, but also aligns with the State’s commitment to collaborating with the private sector to advance the development of Lagos, the Commissioner says calling for increased support from businesses in the zone to further enhance the project’s success.
The Consul General, Ms. Yuqinq, says that the project is a testament to the sincere cooperation between the Lagos State Government and local authorities.
According to “this year marks the 53rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria. For many years, our two nations have maintained close exchanges and cooperation across various fields. Education, as the cornerstone of national development, is a crucial part of the friendship and cooperation between China and Nigeria.”
Ms. Yuqing adds that, “this ICT Centre will not only enhance the school’s infrastructure but also serve as a vivid example of our governments’ joint commitment to social responsibility and the well-being of the people. Through this project, we hope to nurture more Nigerian talents with a global perspective and innovative capabilities, providing a continuous source of energy for Nigeria’s socio-economic development.”
Tilani Alli-Balogun, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, sees the ICT Centre as a commendable initiative, highlighting the importance of ICT in preparing students for the future.
The project, Alli-Balogun adds, will enhance teachers’ capacity, facilitate learning, and improve teaching methods. Access to information will enable students to compete globally and the Lagos State Government is dedicated to providing quality education and seeks more partnerships to ensure a brighter future for students, according to the Commissioner.
On the part of Shunfa, the groundbreaking ceremony signifies a new chapter and the beginning of a significant endeavour while the project will strengthen ties and pave the way for future developments in the Akodo-Orofun community.
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