Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has stressed the need for every child to be computer literate in order to thrive in today’s competitive global environment.
Hamzat made the remarks while commissioning a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre at Odu Abore Memorial Primary School, Mushin — his alma mater — as part of activities marking his 61st birthday.
The fully equipped ICT centre, which houses 40 computers and other digital tools, was donated by the deputy governor to fulfill a promise he made during the school’s 80th anniversary celebration.
Explaining his motivation, Hamzat said ICT played a crucial role in his personal success and urged children to embrace technology. “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.
He added that the donation was his way of giving back to the community, while encouraging wealthy Nigerians to support government efforts in improving education infrastructure, noting that government alone cannot meet all needs.
Hamzat emphasized that the new facility would provide pupils with quick and easy access to ICT knowledge and stressed the importance of equipping more schools with similar centres. “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’s education.
Also speaking at the event, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council, advised pupils to use the centre responsibly and protect the facility.
Moses Fayinka, who represents Mushin Federal Constituency II, described the project as a strategic investment in the future, giving pupils exposure to advanced technology and reflecting the importance of societal responsibility.
Olufemi Akinlude, Education Secretary of the Mushin Local Government Education Authority, praised the initiative, describing it as a “gateway to opportunities, a hub for creativity, and a launchpad for innovation.”
She noted that pupils would acquire practical computer skills relevant for higher education and future careers, while teachers would be empowered to deliver lessons with modern tools.