Wale Jagun, Mariam Akinloye & Taiwo Kudirat
Another milestone was achieved in the attempts to improve digital and ICT knowledge of students and youths in Ikorodu Federal Constituency with the commissioning of an ICT centre by Rep. Babajimi Benson, the representative of Ikorodu Federal Constituency.
The centre was facilitated facilitated by the federal lawmaker who is the Chairman, House of Representatives Defence Committee The centre marks the second large ICT facility he has facilitated in recent years with the first which was named after the former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye located within the Methodist and Oga Primary School compound in Ikorodu.
Aside these two, there are also two other mini – digital centres that he also facilitated at the Methodist Primary School, Igbogbo and another primary school at Isawo in Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA). There is another ultra – modern large ICT centre under construction in Imota LCDA which is also facilitated by the lawmaker.
The new ICT facility was commissioned and handed over at the weekend to the Ikorodu Division Resource Development Group (IDRDG). It is equipped with modern facilities including 150 laptops, 15 CCTV cameras, fire alarms, six offices, eight toilets, ACs, and speakers, and according to Rep. Benson it is aimed at promoting digital literacy and education among Ikorodu youths.
Speaking at the commissioning, Rep. Benson commended the IDRDG leadership for its efforts in advancing education in Ikorodu Division by establishing ICT/CBT Centre and initiating other educational support like providing JAMB forms and training students in ICT.
He said that other divisions in the state should emulate them.
While emphasising the importance of digital education in today’s world he urged the CBT board to collaborate with Senator Abiru’s Sail Lab to provide courses for students and enable youths in Ikorodu to have adequate knowledge of the ICT.
“I urge the CBT board to liaise with Senator Abiru’s Sail Lab to provide courses for our students. I’m committed to representing Ikorodu people and bringing development to our community,” Rep. Benson said.
The three – term lawmaker also urged youths to be ethical in the usage of their ICT and digital knowledge. He implored them to use the smart knowledge for personal growth and community development and urged against turning into yahooyahoo boys and fraudsters.
Arch. Taiwo Kara, IDRDG Chairman, also speaking described the commissioning as the celebration of the vision of the facilitator of the project and gateway to opportunities for students and youths in Ikorodu.
He commended the representative of Ikorodu Federal Constituency for his laudable representation which has been impacting on Ikorodu.
“We are gathered here to celebrate vision, leadership and commitment to development, embodied in the name of this centre which was facilitated by Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, MHR as a constituency project for the development and growth of Ikorodu Division.
“The ICT Centre before us today is more than brick and mortar; it is a gateway to opportunities for our youth, students and the wider community. It will serve as a hub where digital skills are nurtured, ideas are incubated and the next generations of leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs will be empowered.
“On behalf of Ikorodu Division and IDRDG ,I wish to express our profound gratitude to Hon.Babajimi Benson for this laudable contribution. Your name is etched ,not only on this edifice,but in the hearts of many whose lives will be transformed through the opportunities this centre provides,” Arc. Kara said.
Chieftain of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and former Minister for Works, Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe, who is the Chairman, IDRDG CBT/ICT Centre under which the new ICT centre facilitated by Rep. Benson would also be managed also commended the lawmaker for his support for the IDRDG and education in Ikorodu Federal Constituency.
He lauded him for facilitating the new ICT centre and providing GCE forms for hundreds of Ikorodu students.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Agbaje, in his own submission also applauded the lawmaker for ensuring that dividends of democracy come to Ikorodu.
He said that the centre would give students and youths in Ikorodu the leverage to compete favourably with their counterparts elsewhere in terms of ICT.
Otunba Adekunle Oduborisha, former President, Oriwu Club also emphasised the importance of ICT knowledge and how it enhances youths employability while urging parents to assist their children and wards in that direction.
Other dignitaries in attendance at the commissioning were Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe, former Head of Service, Lagos State, Mrs O.O Benson, retired Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Fatai Lasisi, Commissioner, Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye, representative Ikorodu Constituency I, Hon. (Dr.) Aro Moshood Abiodun (AMA), representative Ikorodu Constituency II, Prince Adedayo Ladega, Chairman, Ikorodu LG, Omo’ba Hammed Aroyewun, Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Hon. Ameen Apanisile, Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Hon. Babawale Alogba, Vice Chairman, Ikorodu LG, Hon. Segun Aluko, Vice Chairman Ikorodu West LCDA, Dr. Mobolaji Olukoya, Vice Cahirman, IDRDG, Prof. Abiodun Okedeyi, Coordinator, IDRDG CBT Centre, Prof. Olumide Metilolu, Commissioner, LASIEC and Chairman, Alogba E – Library & Research Centre, Basorun Babatunde Rotinwa, former Chairman, IDRDG, Alhaji Fathiu Salisu, Secretary, IDRDG, Sir David Sunmoni, Pro – Chancellor, LASU, Alhaji Monzor Olowoshago, Publisher Oriwu Sun, Otunba Odulate, former IDRDG Secretary, Dr. Titilola Onafowokan and Alhaji Olawale Amusa, Secretary, IDRDG, Builder Sesan Daini, former Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA among others.
