COMMISSIONER COMMENDS CHINESE CONSULATE GENERAL, LFZDC ON NEW ICT CENTRE 

Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade & Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem has commended the Chinese Consulate General, Lagos and Lekki Free Zone Development Company (LFZDC) for initiating a new Information Communication Technology (ICT) Centre for the Community Senior Secondary School, Akodo, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos. 

The Commissioner gave the commendation at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new ICT Centre being funded jointly by the Chinese Consulate General, Lagos and Chinese Enterprises represented by the Lekki Free Zone Development Company at Akodo on Thursday. 

According to her, the project exemplified the commitment of Chinese Government and Enterprises to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), making them socially responsible in their operations by providing positive social value. 

She said: “The building of the ICT Centre demonstrated a commitment by businesses in the Lekki Free Zone to make a difference by giving back to the community and showed a resolve to be responsive to the needs of stakeholders. 

“Today’s ceremony underscored the deep commitment of the Chinese Consulate and Enterprises to transform the lives of students and teachers within Akodo and Lekki communities by giving them training in digital skills and a variety of other technology-related services”.

Describing ICT knowledge in this era of exploding digitisation and fast-growing Artificial Intelligence (AI) as crucial, the Commissioner stated that the Centre is poised to be a major source of attraction that will boost the interest of students within the communities in education, thus multiplying students’ enrollment and reducing illiteracy among youths within the axis. 

She further remarked that the project not only complemented the efforts of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration at promoting ICT knowledge in the State, but also aligned with the State’s position at collaborating with the private sector to advance the course of development of Lagos as successful nations are birthed through strong partnership between the two sectors. She called for more support to the State from businesses in the Zone. 

Consul General, Lagos Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China, Ms. Yan Yuqinq opined that the project is yet another testament to the sincere cooperation with the Lagos State Government and local authorities. 

“This year marks the 53rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria. For many years, our two nations have maintained close exchanges and cooperation across various fields. Education, as the cornerstone of national development, is a crucial part of the friendship and cooperation between China and Nigeria. 

“This ICT Centre will not only enhance the school’s infrastructure but also serve as a vivid example of our governments’ joint commitment to social responsibility and the well-being of the people. Through this project, we hope to nurture more Nigerian talents with a global perspective and innovative capabilities, providing a continuous source of energy for Nigeria’s socio-economic development”, she said. 

Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Tolani Alli-Balogun, who described the ICT Centre as a laudable project, expressed that ICT is the future and here we are in partnership as we prepare the students and equip them with ICT Skills. 

“This project will encourage capacity building of our teachers as they have access to more information on time, facilitate learning and improve teaching and learning pedagogy. Access to information will enable the student to compete favourably with their peers across the world”, he said. 

He revealed that Lagos State Government is doing a lot to provide quality and improved education as it seek for more partnership to guarantee better and brighter future for students. 

Managing Director, Lekki Free Zone Development Company, Mr. Dai Shunfa noted that the groundbreaking ceremony symbolised a new chapter and marked the beginning of a significant new endeavour, one that will forge strong ties and pave the way for future developments and achievements 

“This ceremony represents the coming together of various stakeholders to embark on a journey that will shape the landscape and leave a lasting impact on the Akodo-Orofun community.

I would like to emphasised that this is truly an investment, rather than simply a donation or charitable act. The ICT Centre we are establishing here today is a long-term project that will be utilised and benefit the youth of this community for years to come.

It is an investment in their future, as it will empower them with crucial ICT skills that will shape the trajectory of their lives.