As Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, clocks 61, he has given back to the foundation school that produced him: Odu Abore Memorial Primary School, Mushin, Lagos.
This is as he says every child must be computer literate to compete effectively in today’s global environment.
Hamzat made the remark while inaugurating a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre at the school on Friday.
The ICT centre, comprising 40 computers and other technological devices, was donated by Hamzat to mark his 61st birthday celebration.
He said Africans could only compete with other continents through ICT, describing it as the common denominator of global competitiveness among children.
Hamzat noted that the donation fulfilled a promise he made during the school’s 80th anniversary celebration.
He explained that his decision stemmed from how ICT contributed to his own achievements in life.
“The motive is to show children the need for ICT knowledge, which is where the world is. Every child today must be computer-literate,” he said.
Hamzat stressed the donation was part of giving back to his community.
He urged wealthy Nigerians to support government efforts, adding that government alone could not shoulder the responsibility.
The deputy governor explained that the centre would allow pupils quick and easy access to ICT knowledge.
He highlighted that many schools in Lagos already had ICT centres, stressing the importance of wider integration for children’s technological advancement.
“Those things we could not do at university, our students now achieve in secondary schools,” Hamzat said, urging parents to embrace technology for their children.
Sen. Ganiyu Solomon, a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council, advised pupils to use the ICT centre wisely and preserve the facility.
Moses Fayinka, representing Mushin Federal Constituency II, described the project as a strategic investment in pupils’ access to advanced technology and a reflection of societal responsibility.
He emphasised that ICT had become indispensable in today’s fast-evolving digital world.
Mrs Olufemi Akinlude, Education Secretary of Mushin Local Government Education Authority, said the facility would benefit pupils, teachers, and the wider community.
She described it as more than bricks and mortar, calling it a gateway to opportunities, a hub for creativity, and a launchpad for innovation.
Akinlude stressed that a child without ICT competence risked being left behind in the 21st century.
She added that pupils would gain practical computer skills for higher education and careers, while teachers would be empowered to deliver lessons using modern tools.
