The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, launched the Nigerian Digital Center in Ilesa, Osun on Friday.
Speaking at the inauguration, NCC Executive Vice President Professor Umar Danbatta said that the desire of the federal government to ensure that Nigerians reap the full benefits derived from the emerging digital culture made it imperative to reorganize the governance process in the digital sector and of communications.
Mr. Danbatta said that the center located at Ilesa Muslim Grammar School comprises four main components; ICT, Energy, Connectivity and Non-ICT tools.
He was represented at the event by the Director of the Commission’s Projects Department, Abigael Solanke.
According to him, the ICT Tools component is made up of 40 desktop computers with embedded operating systems, a server, a printer, a projector (with remote control), a high-resolution scanner and e-learning software.
He said the power components consist of an inverter that comes with a charger, solar panels, batteries, and automatic gearbox.
Mr. Danbatta added that the connectivity component consisted of routers, switches, firewall for network protection, modem, fiber / microwave radio or VSAT, and bandwidth for Internet connectivity, while the non-ICT component It includes the furniture, the cabinet, the refrigeration systems, among others. others.
He said the Commission wants to see that ICT facilities are functional and used properly.
“This Center that is being launched here today is one of the projects being carried out by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).
“This is in line with the overall goal of bridging the digital divide and providing broadband and ICT access to the country’s underserved and underserved institutions and communities,” he said.
In his speech, the Minister of the Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, said that the center is an initiative aimed at developing literacy and digital literacy for young people in the Ilesa community and its surroundings.
Mr. Aregbesola said that the project was also a testament to the unwavering commitment of the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, to implement technology to improve the quality of life and the experience of citizens.
He said the center would increase ICT literacy among the school’s teachers and students and provide a platform to access educational resources online.
“It also highlights the preeminent role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in improving people’s living standards.
“Globally, ICTs have changed the way we live, work, interact and play,” he said.
In his speech, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, said that the Federal Government is focused on promoting the digital economy throughout the country.
Mr. Pantami said that the digital center was one of the initiatives to articulate the implementation of digital literacy and skills.
He was represented at the event by the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, NCC, Prof. Adeolu Akande.
“Therefore, to thrive in the connected economy and society, the Nigerian government is determined to ensure that Nigerians’ digital skills work alongside other skills; .
“Such as strong literacy and numeracy skills, critical and innovative thinking, complex problem solving, collaboration skills, and social-emotional skills.
“I want to express the appreciation of President Muhammadu Buhari, the good people of Osun State and express the Federal Government’s commitment to its tripartite agenda of improving the economy, curbing corruption and improving national security through the effective deployment of ICT. in every nook and corner of the country, ”said Pantami.
Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun, who was represented at the event by the state Commissioner of Science and Technology, Olawale Babatunde, congratulated the Federal Government for the initiative.
NAN
