The new Tech Experience Centre in Lagos is a physical embodiment of the country’s agenda for a digital economy, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami said.
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Pantami was speaking at the formal unveiling of Africa’s First-ever Tech Experience Centre located at the high-rise Yudala Heights on 13 Idowu Martins, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday, October 1st, 2020, Nigeria’s 60th Independence Anniversary.
The Minister said, ‘‘I am delighted to be here today to witness the commissioning of this landmark project. I am here to convey the regards of President Muhammadu Buhari who has been instrumental to the current drive of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy for the ICT sector to achieve a Digital Nigeria.
‘‘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. 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 the 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,’’ he disclosed.
Globally renowned tech giants such as Cisco, HP, Samsung, Apple, Microsoft, Dell Technologies, Zinox, Schneider Electric, and Bosch, among others, were all under one roof to create an immersive experience of the latest technologies.
Also speaking at the commission, Chief Host, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, hailed the management of TD Africa for the bold initiative and emphasized the important role of technology as a game-changer in any society.
Head of the Tech Experience Centre, Chidalu Ekeh said the place will serve as the arena for where revolutionary innovations will be unveiled. It will play a key role in building local capacity and growing the Nigerian economy, she added.
The event had a number of dignitaries from both the public and private sector. Among these was the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi; Commissioner for Science and Technology, Lagos State, Dr. Hakeem Fahm; Chairman, MTN Nigeria, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe; Founder/CEO, MainOne, Funke Opeke; Chairman, Stanbic IBTC, Peterside Atedo; MD/CEO, Fidelity Bank, Nnamdi Okonwo; MD/CEO of Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, MD/CEO, Standard Chartered Bank, Lamin Manjang; MD/CEO, Ecobank, Patrick Akinwuntan; former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Ernest Ebi and his wife; former Chairman of Accenture, Mr. Dotun Suleiman; MD/CEO Stanbic IBTC Capital, Mr. Funso Akere; Executive Director, Access Bank, Mr. Victor Etuokwu, MD/CEO, Providus Bank, Mr. Walter Akpani; Chairman, Aso Savings and Loans Plc., Alhaji Ali Magashi; former CEO, Diamond Bank, Mr. Emeka Onwuka; Founder/CEO, Britannia Oil and Gas, Mrs Catherine Iju Ifejika and her husband, Mr. Emmanuel Ifejika; media entrepreneur and ace blogger, Linda Ikeji; renowned fashion couturier, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, and many others.
The Tech Centre is expected to boost Nigeria’s relevance in the global technology race and shore up the country’s march to technology independence.