The Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy on Wednesday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital officially unveiled the Digital Innovation Park in furtherance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration’s towards achieving the $1Trillion digital economy for Nigeria.
The facility which was commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through Governor Dapo Abiodun, is equipped with computer laboratories, smart networking systems, collaborative workspaces, and multipurpose halls will serve as a platform for cultivating digital innovators and entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
The park, which is also being replicated in Kano, Borno and Enugu States, will also serve as hands-on practice laboratories for training and skills development.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Tunji Bosun, said the project was a vital part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes digital innovation, youths’ empowerment and inclusive economic growth as a driver of Nigeria’s journey to a US$1 Trillion economy.
Tijani described the Park as a catalyst for community transformation; a launchpad for innovation, as well as providing a platform for youth empowerment, “where skills meet opportunity” amongst others.
“Technology today is one of the most powerful drivers of economic transformation. For an emerging economy like ours, it remains one of our greatest hopes for leapfrogging development. This is why we must create the right environment for it to thrive.”
“The concept behind the Digital Industrial Park is rooted in our vision to promote innovation and digital entrepreneurship in the ICT sector, and to support research and development by transforming ideas into market-ready solutions.”
Commenting on the choice of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital as cite of the project for the South West region, Tijani said his ministry had evaluated the immense potentials in the Gateway State as a city with a growing network of academic institutions that are blessed with “eager minds” only waiting to be nurtured.
“Let us be clear! Abeokuta has everything it needs to compete—not just with Lagos, but with Kigali, Accra, and Nairobi. What we need now is to unlock and connect the dots”.
“Abeokuta also has strategic proximity to Lagos, close enough to collaborate, far enough to chart a unique path. And of course a government, led by His Excellency Governor Dapo Abiodun, that is investing wisely in roads, tourism, infrastructure, and now, digital futures”.
Tijani however, called on youths, industrialists, as well as the academia not to hesitate at partnering the federal government towards turning the Park into a living laboratories for Nigerians’ ingenuity.
“The world is beginning to recognize the genius in places once overlooked. To our partners—academia, industry, and development institutions: join us. Help us turn this Park into a living lab of Nigerian ingenuity.”
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
