Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has donated an Information and Communication Technology centre to his alma mater, emphasizing the importance of computer literacy for children to compete effectively in today’s global environment.

He made this remark while inaugurating a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology Centre at his alma mater, Odu Abore Memorial Primary School, Mushin.

The ICT centre, comprising 40 computers and other technological devices, was donated by Mr. Hamzat to mark his 61st birthday celebration.

“The motive is to show children the need for ICT knowledge, which is where the world is. Every child today must be computer-literate,” Mr. Hamzat stated.

He noted that Africans could only compete with other continents through ICT, describing it as the common denominator of global competitiveness among children.

The deputy governor stressed that the donation was part of giving back to his community and urged wealthy Nigerians to support government efforts.

Mr. Hamzat highlighted that many schools in Lagos State 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,” he said, urging parents to embrace technology for their children.

Senator 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.

Education Secretary of Mushin Local Government Education Authority, Olufemi Akinlude, said the facility would benefit pupils, teachers, and the wider community. She described it as a gateway to opportunities, a hub for creativity, and a launchpad for innovation.

“A child without ICT competence risked being left behind in the 21st century,” Mrs. Akinlude stressed, adding that pupils would gain practical computer skills for higher education and careers.