The minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami has described the Tech Experience Centre, an ambitious technology project aimed at bridging the gap to cutting-edge technology for millions of Nigerians, as strategic to the federal government’s plan to build a digital Nigeria for all citizens.
Pantami who unveiled the Centre located at the high-rise Yudala Heights in Victoria Island, Lagos on October 1, 2020, expressed delight with the project, even as he conveyed the feelings of President Muhammadu Buhari on the launch of the initiative.
The Centre houses a convergence of globally renowned tech giants such as Cisco, HP, Microsoft, Dell Technologies, Zinox, Schneider Electric, Samsung, Apple and Bosch, among others, all under one roof to create an immersive experience of the latest technologies.
“We are happy to see this huge technology initiative become a reality as it shows the private sector has bought into our visions for Nigeria,” Pantami said, adding, “Achieving a Digital Nigeria is not the responsibility of government alone. The role of government is to come up with the right policies and create the enabling environment while the private sector also supports the efforts of government.
This Tech Experience Centre is very strategic to the seven pillars of our digital economy strategy which include: Digital Literacy and Skills Development; Service Infrastructure; Solid Infrastructure; Digital Services Promotion and Development; Soft Infrastructure; Digital Societies and Emerging Technologies and lastly Indigenous Content Development.
‘‘I wish to commend TD Africa and the Zinox chairman, Dr Leo Stan Ekeh for their efforts in birthing this Tech Experience Centre which we are certain will create a huge opportunity for our youths and many other Nigerians.”
Also speaking at the event, chief host, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu hailed the management of TD Africa for the bold initiative, even as he disclosed that the Lagos State government is already laying the foundation for the state to be the technology hub of Nigeria and West Africa.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the deputy governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat emphasised the important role of technology as a game-changer in any society.
“Technology also helps in managing information. It is used in security, education and to collect data in the hospitals. Nigeria needs to urgently harness the use of technology to develop the nation,” he said.
‘‘I commend the chairman of Zinox and TD Africa on the launch of this impressive technology project. Indeed, technology is the pillar of all the plans of the present administration in Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Also speaking at the event, chairman, Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, commended the federal government and the Lagos State government for their increased emphasis on the technology sector.
Ekeh, a serial digital entrepreneur, described the renaming of the Ministry of Communications by President Buhari with the addition of Digital Economy as a masterstroke, even as he heaped praises on Dr Pantami for his sterling leadership.
The Zinox boss, who revealed that technology is the currency of new wealth in the 21st Century, revealed that the sector holds the key to the future of Nigeria’s digital wealth. Consequently, he called on the federal government to empower the youth especially in ICT, noting that Nigeria is the only place in the world where tech guys are among the poorest.
“Government needs to encourage the youths by empowering them as most of them work in that sector. Also, many youths are equally interested in developing the country through technology so they need to be empowered,” he said.