The Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, “Olatunbosun Tijani,” has reiterated the commitment of President “Bola Tinubu’s” administration to investing in the “digital economy,” fostering inclusive growth, and empowering the nation’s youth.
Tijani encouraged young people to take advantage of technology opportunities to achieve financial independence and secure a promising future.
The minister made this known on Monday during the inauguration of a “solar-powered community ICT centre,” which he facilitated and was constructed by the “National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)” for the residents of “Abeokuta.”
The facility, which includes an “Innovation Hub, a library, and an administrative building,” was donated by “Sen. Solomon Adeola,” who represents “Ogun West.” These facilities form part of the initial development on five hectares of land for the “Abeokuta City Hall Complex,” a project designed to commemorate the “200 years of the Egba people” by 2030.
Tijani emphasized that President Tinubu acknowledges the vast potential in the technology sector and is dedicated to “raising over one million tech professionals” to drive national advancement.
The Minister stated, “So, when we talk about this Community ICT Centre, we are not just cutting a ribbon, we are opening doors. We are expanding horizons for young people who are just like I was — full of energy, full of questions, and full of potential.”
“This centre, developed by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is a hub of possibilities. It provides a space where students from the many academic institutions here, from FUNAAB to Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Crescent University, and beyond, can find tools to match their talents. It is where a secondary school student from Ijeun or Lafenwa can walk in and be introduced to programming, robotics, design thinking, or digital entrepreneurship.”
He further disclosed that the government is constructing additional ICT Centres across the country, with about “30 completed centres set to be commissioned in the coming months.”
Encouraging youth participation in the tech industry, Tijani said, “Youth must not be distracted; they should stay focused. Not enough people are working in the technology sector all over the world. If you have anyone working in technology, the starting salary is between N250,000 and N500,000.”
“Some of our parents have never received this kind of salary. The truth is that technology pays really well. Instead of joining what people are saying in the country that things are hard and all that, they should take the opportunity of ICT Centres like this to develop themselves and build up a robust career and future for themselves.”
Speaking at the event, the “Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland,” “Oba Adedotun Gbadebo,” commended “President Tinubu” for approving the establishment of the ICT centre in “Abeokuta.”
Gbadebo highlighted Tinubu’s strong interest in “developing the educational sector in Egbaland,” noting that just two weeks ago, the President appointed “Governing Board members and principal officers” for the newly established “Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta.”
He further stated that the “Federal Government” has provided funding to ensure the university operates for a full year and begins “student admissions” before the end of 2025.
The monarch emphasized that this makes “Abeokuta” the first city in the country to host “two Federal Universities” within the same town, marking a new era of “development, economic empowerment, and educational advancement” for the Egba people.
Gbadebo also praised “Minister Tijani” for his role in facilitating the “community ICT centre,” noting that it will significantly contribute to “youth empowerment and academic excellence in ICT” within the state and beyond.
The traditional ruler urged Egba indigenes both at home and abroad to “follow the Minister’s example” by using their influence and resources to contribute to the further development of “Egbaland and Ogun State.”
