The Federal Government through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Friday inaugurated the Nigeria Digital Centre in Ilesa, Osun State.
Speaking at the inauguration, the NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said the Federal Government’s desire to ensure Nigerians harness all derivable benefits of the emergent digital culture made it imperative to rejig the governance process in the communications and digital sector.
Danbatta said that the centre located at Ilesa Muslim Grammar School, comprises four major components; ICT Tools, Power, Connectivity and Non-ICT Tools.
He was represented at the event by the Director, Projects Department of the commission, Mrs. Abigael Solanke.
According to him, the ICT Tools component are made up of 40 desktop computers with embedded operating systems, server, printer, projector (with remote control), high resolution scanner, and e-learning software.
He said the power components consist of an inverter that comes with charger, solar panels, batteries and automatic changeover.
Danbatta added that the connectivity component was made up of routers, switches, firewall for network protection, modem, fibre/microwave radio or VSAT and bandwidth for internet connectivity, while the non-ICT component comprises the furniture, cabinet, cooling systems, among others.
He said the Commission desire to see that the ICT facilities are functional and put into appropriate use.
“This Centre being commissioned here today is one of the projects being executed by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).
“This in line with the overall objective of bridging the Digital Divide and providing ICT and broadband access to the unserved and underserved institutions and communities in the country”, he said.
In his remark, the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, said the centre was an initiative aimed at developing digital skill and literacy of youths in the Ilesa community and its environs.
Aregbesola said the project was also a testament to the unwavering commitment of the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, to deploying technology to better the citizens’ quality of life and experience.
He said the centre would increase ICT literacy among school teachers and students as well providing a platform for accessing online educational resources.
“It also goes to emphasise the preeminent role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for improving standards of living as a people.
“Globally, ICT has changed the way we live, work, interact and play” he said.
In his remark, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, said the Federal Government was focused on promoting digital economy across the country.
Pantami said that the digital centre was one of the initiatives for articulating the implementation of digital literacy and skills.
He was represented at the event by the Chairman, Board of Commissioner, NCC, Prof. Adeolu Akande.
“Therefore, to thrive in the connected economy and society, the Nigerian government is determined to ensure that digital skills for Nigerians function together with other abilities;
“Such as strong literacy and numeracy skills, critical and innovative thinking, complex problem solving, an ability to collaborate, and socio-emotional skills”.
“I want to express the appreciation of President Muhammadu Buhari, to the good people of Osun State and to express the Federal Government’s commitment to its tripartite agenda of improving the economy, curbing corruption and enhancing national security through effective deployment of ICT in all nooks and crannies of the country” Pantami said.
Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun, who was represented at the event by the state Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Olawale Babatunde, commended the Federal Government for the initiative.
(NAN)
