Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has said every child must be computer literate to compete effectively in today’s global environment.

Mr Hamzat made the remark while inaugurating a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre at his alma mater, Odu Abore Memorial Primary School, Mushin, on Friday.

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

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

Mr Hamzat noted that the donation fulfilled a promise he made during the school’s 80th anniversary celebration.

The deputy governor stated that his decision stemmed from how ICT contributed to his own achievements in life.

 He stated, “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 stressed that the donation was part of giving back to his community.

He urged wealthy Nigerians to support government efforts, adding that government alone could not shoulder the responsibility.

The deputy governor explained that the centre would allow pupils quick and easy access to ICT knowledge.

 He 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,” Mr Hamzat said, urging parents to embrace technology for their children.

A member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, 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.

He emphasised that ICT had become indispensable in today’s fast-evolving digital world.

Education Secretary of Mushin Local Government Education Authority, Olufemi Akinlude, said that the facility would benefit pupils, teachers, and the wider community.

She described it as more than bricks and mortar, calling it a gateway to opportunities, a hub for creativity, and a launchpad for innovation.

Mrs Akinlude stressed that a child without ICT competence risked being left behind in the 21st century.

She added that pupils would gain practical computer skills for higher education and careers, while teachers would be empowered to deliver lessons using modern tools.

(NAN)