A not-for-profit organisation, Temidayo Oniosun Foundation, donated on Friday an information and communication technology centre worth N15 million to bridge the digital divide between the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State and the world.
The multi-million centre located in Okaka Grammar School, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the state, is also envisioned to eradicate digital illiteracy in the community and the zone.
The centre boasts state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge equipment, high-speed internet access powered by Starlink, and a wide range of digital resources.
The Foundation was established by Temidayo Oniosun, 28 years old, Okaka-born, Forbes Africa 30 under 30, chief executive officer of Space in Africa, an analytics and consulting firm devoted to the African space and satellite industry.
Speaking with newsmen from their United Kingdom base during the unveiling of the centre, the wife of the founder and managing director of TOF, Modupeola Temidayo, said the facility was the product of a study undertaken by the foundation.
“We carried out a recent study to understand the standard of education in the Oke-Ogun region. From our data, we could see that there is a gap in digital technology.
“This prompted us to construct an ICT centre, which we hope will bridge the connectivity gap and build a tech-savvy young generation who will take advantage of this technology towards the development of the Oke-Ogun area of the state.
“We are delighted to unveil the ICT centre to the Okaka community. We believe that access to technology is a key driver of social and economic progress.
“The ICT centre will collaborate with educational institutions, organisations, and community organisations to promote collaborative projects, research initiatives, and entrepreneurship programmes.
“By fostering partnerships, we aim to create a thriving ecosystem that nurtures innovation, fosters talent, and drives technological advancement in our community”.
“TOF is committed to making a positive and long-lasting impact by empowering individuals and communities. In achieving this, we hope to address issues relating to poverty, health and welfare, and education, areas of our primary focus.
“Over the years, we have supported students by giving out scholarships to them, paying tuition fees as well as WAEC and UTME fees.”
She said the facility was in line with the foundation’s commitment to fostering innovation and empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the digital age.
According to her, “The ICT centre will serve as a hub for technology enthusiasts, students, professionals, and entrepreneurs seeking to expand their expertise in a conducive environment.
“It will provide a diverse range of educational programmes, workshops, and training sessions designed to cater to individuals of all ages and skill levels.”
A former House of Representatives member from the area, Honourable Kola Olabiyi, thanked Temidayo Oniosun for giving back to society, urging other well-meaning people from the community to emulate him.
“It should be noted that the illiterates of tomorrow are not people who cannot read and write, but people who cannot handle and operate computers,” he said.
The inauguration of the project was graced by a number of royal fathers including the Olokaka of Okaka, Oba Abdulazeez Olatunji Ayoola; the Alagere of Ofiki, Oba Basiru Oyesiji; the Onibaasi of Baasi Oba Sunday Azeez Babatunde; the Onimayin of Imayin, Oba Peter Ayansiji; and the Alapodun of Apodunland, Oba Lawrence Olusuji Ige.
