Senator representing Lagos Central, Wasiu Eshilokun, has commissioned the Renewed Hope Information Communication Technology (ICT) Centre in Lagos Mainland Local Government, describing digital literacy as essential to preparing young Nigerians for the future.
The facility, established in partnership with the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), is expected to provide training in computer appreciation, coding, data analysis, digital marketing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and other emerging technology fields.
Eshilokun said the centre was established to empower youths, women, entrepreneurs and artisans with skills needed to compete in the global digital economy.
“We live in an era where digital literacy is no longer a luxury but an absolute necessity. The opportunities of tomorrow will belong to those equipped with relevant digital knowledge and technological skills,” he said.
He added that there are plans to establish additional ICT centres at Jubril Martins and Lagos Island to expand access to digital education across the senatorial district.
The senator urged the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology to partner with the council by providing technical support, developing training curricula, facilitating certification programmes and linking the centre with technology partners.
He also charged the Lagos Mainland Local Government to take ownership of the facility by ensuring adequate security, stable electricity, proper maintenance and uninterrupted operations.
“From today, the project is no longer mine. It belongs to Lagos Mainland. Maintain it. A facility of this nature should never be allowed to deteriorate through neglect or underutilisation. Rather, it should remain a vibrant community asset and continually transform lives through knowledge and innovation. We can also assure you that if you call us, we’ll be ready to even invest more if you know what to invest in. When the technical expertise of the ministry is combined with the administrative commitment of the local government, I have no doubt that this center will become a model for digital capacity development, not only within the Lagos Mainland but also Lagos State and indeed Nigeria. To the beneficiaries, I urge you to embrace this opportunity with dedication, discipline and determination to excel. Make this center a place of learning, creativity, collaboration and innovation”, he said.
Eshilokun reaffirmed his commitment to facilitating projects that improve the quality of life of residents across Lagos Central, saying his focus remains on education, youth and women empowerment, infrastructure development and economic growth.
Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government, Jubril Emilagba, described the ICT centre as a landmark investment in education, youth empowerment and digital inclusion, adding that it would equip residents with the skills required to thrive in a technology-driven economy.
Represented by Vice Chairman, Adewale Momoh, Emilagba said the facility, equipped with 40 computers, air-conditioned classrooms, desks, chairs and other conveniences, was more than just a physical structure, but a gateway to knowledge and innovation.
According to him, the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of promoting education, innovation and youth development across Lagos State.
“Leadership is not measured by promises made; it is measured by lives transformed. Today, Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun has demonstrated that true representation is about leaving a lasting footprint in the lives of the people,” he said of young people and the development of the community.