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By Nwakaego Alajemba
The new Tech Experience Centre in Lagos, a mega technology project spearheaded by TD Africa, is a physical embodiment of the country’s agenda for a digital economy, said Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.
While speaking as a special guest at the October 1 launch of Africa’s first ever tech experience Center and a meeting point for global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the minister said the new centre reflects “many of the pillars of NDEPS and will not only aid our march to digital innovation but will also encourage and inspire many other Nigerians to aspire to greatness…. We believe that the digital economy holds a lot of potential for our nation. Perhaps, unsurprisingly, this is why the launching of this Tech Experience Centre today represents an interesting and fitting way to celebrate our 60th Independence Anniversary.”
He added: “Indeed, for us at the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, it is exciting to see our vision of building a digital economy for all Nigerians find expression in the commendable spirit of enterprise, boldness and commitment to raise the bar which, undoubtedly, must have been a driving force behind the birthing of this amazing technology project.”
While enumerating on the achievements of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration that include the development and implementation of a National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria, said building a new sustainable Nigeria around the digital economy remains a focal point of the government’s vision and is not a task for the weak. His words: “Certainly, building the Nigeria of our dreams is not a job for laggards or the faint-hearted. Today marks the 60th Independence Anniversary of our great country. We have come this far as a people in spite of the peculiar challenges that daily confront us. Yet, it is abundantly clear to all of us gathered here today that, in transforming this country to the Nigeria of our dreams, technology will play a critical role.”
Centre aligns to NDEPS
According to the minister, the NDEPS is anchored on eight pillars. They are: Developmental Regulation; Digital Literacy & Skills; Solid Infrastructure; Service Infrastructure; Digital Services Development & Promotion; Soft Infrastructure; Digital Society & Emerging Technologies; and Indigenous Content Development & Adoption.
“This Centre aligns well with many of the pillars of NDEPS and will not only aid our march to digital innovation but will also encourage and inspire many other Nigerians to aspire to greatness. I am excited by the fact that the Tech Experience Centre will serve as a conveyor belt for equipping our youths with the right digital skills that will enable them function effectively and add value in the Digital Nigeria that we are building.
“I am also delighted by the unique status of this project as a place where every Nigerian can experience and see the latest technologies in action. The benefits that would accrue from the many offshoots of this impressive technology initiative are indeed numerous and will go a long way in raising the profile of the Nigerian technology sector.
“I wish to commend the management of TD Africa – a company that is among the stakeholders working to ensure access to technology for Nigerians – for this laudable initiative. You can count on the unflinching support of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy on this impressive project and other similar initiatives of immense benefit to our citizens.”
Centre is arena for revolutionary innovations – Chidalu Ekeh
At the commission were the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the chief host. He was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
Others were 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.
In the list were also: former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Ernest Ebi; 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 many others.
The Tech Experience Centre houses globally renowned tech giants such as Cisco, HP, Microsoft, Dell Technologies, Zinox, Schneider Electric, Samsung, Apple and Bosch, among others.
Head of the Tech Experience Centre, Chidalu Ekeh said the place will serve as the arena for where revolutionary innovations will be unveiled.
She said: “The Tech Experience Centre is a burning passion of TD Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa’s foremost technology, lifestyle and solutions distributor. This project is a declaration of faith by global tech leaders in Nigeria. Certainly, it was not a dream that came easy, especially considering the need to play by and comply strictly with the international rules of the global tech game.
“This initiative is a major investment that will rub off positively on the Nigerian economy and I can confidently say that what is on ground already is the first phase of this massive project. Inside this edifice are three other floors that are yet to be occupied and conversations are still ongoing, with respect to other strategic partnerships with global tech giants to this effect.”
