The Federal Government has reaffirmed its dedication to leveraging technology for national development, with the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Olatunbosun Tijani, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to fostering a thriving digital economy.
Speaking on Monday at the commissioning of a solar-powered community ICT centre in Abeokuta, Tijani highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s vision to empower the youth through technology, calling on young Nigerians to seize the numerous opportunities available in the sector.
The ICT centre, built by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is one of several initiatives aimed at providing technological resources to students and aspiring tech professionals.
The project is part of a broader plan that includes an innovation hub, a library, and an administrative building, all contributing to the development of the Abeokuta City Hall Complex in preparation for the Egba people’s bicentennial celebration in 2030.
Tijani stressed that the government is focused on creating a strong digital workforce, with a target of training over one million tech professionals across the country.
He urged young people to embrace technology as a pathway to financial stability and career growth, pointing out that the global demand for tech talent remains high.
“This centre is more than just a building; it is a gateway to new possibilities,” Tijani stated. “It provides students from institutions like FUNAAB, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, and Crescent University with access to tools that can help them excel in programming, robotics, and digital entrepreneurship. Even a secondary school student from Ijeun or Lafenwa can walk in and begin their journey in tech.”
The Minister also revealed that the government is set to commission 30 more ICT centres across the country in the coming months, ensuring wider access to technological resources for Nigerian youth.
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Encouraging young people to stay focused, Tijani pointed out the lucrative nature of careers in technology, where starting salaries can range between N250,000 and N500,000, a figure higher than many traditional career paths.
He urged them to take advantage of ICT training centres to build sustainable careers rather than focusing on economic hardships.
The event also featured remarks from the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, who commended the Federal Government for prioritizing technological and educational development in the region.
He noted that Tinubu’s administration had recently appointed governing board members and principal officers for the newly established Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences in Abeokuta.
According to Oba Gbadebo, the university, with funding already secured for its first year of operations, will make Abeokuta the first city in Nigeria to host two federal universities.
He described this milestone as a significant boost to the region’s growth, fostering education, economic development, and youth empowerment.
The monarch praised Tijani for his efforts in facilitating the ICT centre, encouraging other Egba indigenes, both at home and abroad, to contribute to the ongoing development of Egbaland and Ogun State at large.