Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, on Friday, September 19, 2025, marked his 61st birthday with the inauguration of a modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre at his alma mater, Odu-Abore Memorial Primary School, Mushin.
The project, personally funded by the deputy governor, was described by stakeholders as a life-changing investment in the future of pupils and the community.
In his address, Dr. Hamzat emphasized the inevitability of technology in everyday life, urging parents and teachers to support children’s creativity and guide them in the safe use of digital tools.
“Technology is now a part of our daily lives—it is binary, it is everywhere. Whatever our children want to do in life, technology will play a role in it. That is why we must give them the freedom to learn, to explore, and to dream,” he said.
He advised parents to encourage their children’s interests, noting that technology has both opportunities and dangers. “Technology is a powerful tool—very good, but it also has its dangers. There are positive and negative sides, and that is why we must prepare and protect our children from the harmful aspects while exposing them to the opportunities,” he added.
Hamzat assured that the state government would extend similar facilities to other schools in line with its THEMES+ agenda.
“We are not stopping here. More schools will benefit, because every child deserves the chance to learn, to create, and to thrive in this digital age,” he stated.
Pupils of the school expressed excitement, thanking Dr. Hamzat for his gift. One said: “We appreciate his kind gesture for giving us this ICT centre because it goes a long way in our lives.” Another added: “I feel more proud having ICT computers in our school. I feel happy because it will teach other students who don’t know how to type.” Others described the facility as a tool that would make learning easier, with one cheerful pupil saying: “Thank you so much. Love you.”
Speaking at the event, Senator Ganiyu Solomon lauded the deputy governor’s humility and foresight in choosing to mark his birthday with such a project.
“This ICT Centre was not built by government—it was built through the personal effort and generosity of our celebrant. And it is even more special that this inauguration coincides with his birthday. What a unique way to mark such an occasion,” Solomon said.
He noted that the project was a lesson in remembering one’s roots. “Our deputy governor chose to bring this project home, to his alma mater. He has demonstrated that no matter how far you go in life, you must always remember where you come from. This is a lesson in humility and service to humanity.”
The senator urged pupils to make full use of the centre. “This ICT Centre has been built for you. You must make full use of it. It should not be abandoned or allowed to decay. Technology is the future, and this facility has been provided to prepare you for that future,” he said, before congratulating Dr. Hamzat and wishing him many more years of service.
The Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon. Seyi Jakande, described the project as “a thing of joy” not only for him but for the entire Mushin people.
“This project is a positive impact on our students, on our community, and we are very grateful. His Excellency, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, chose to celebrate his birthday by giving back to his alma mater—where his own educational journey began. That alone speaks volumes. It shows a man who understands the value of education and is committed to investing in the future of others,” Jakande said.
He stressed that the centre was more than a building. “It is fully equipped with modern technology that places our students at par with their peers globally. It opens doors to better economic opportunities by giving them access to ICT knowledge and skill acquisition. It is both an attraction and a motivation for our children, preparing them not only for academic advancement but also for lifelong skills that will help them thrive in today’s world,” he explained.
On sustainability, Jakande assured that the facility would be well maintained. “Being located within the school premises makes it easier and more convenient to ensure proper use. On our part as government representatives, we have always organized skill acquisition programs within our constituency, and this center will further strengthen those efforts,” he said. He advised pupils to “embrace this initiative” and see it as both an academic and economic advantage.
He also appealed to the deputy governor to donate a similar project to a school in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA.
Executive Chairman of LASUBEB, Hakeem Babatunde Shittu, also described the project as timely and aligned with the THEMES+ agenda.
“I am very happy that this facility is being commissioned at this time. As you know, the Lagos State Government’s THEMES+ Agenda emphasizes education and technology. This ICT center fits perfectly into that vision. It shows we are moving away from the old ways of doing things and embracing innovation to meet global standards,” Shittu said.
He highlighted its impact: “This facility is fully equipped to enhance the quality of basic education in Lagos. It will ensure that our children are not left behind, but can compete with their peers in STEM and technology-driven fields across the world. It is truly a state-of-the-art center, and I am very excited about the opportunities it will create for our pupils.”
While acknowledging limited government resources, Shittu emphasized the value of alumni contributions. “We already have ICT centers serving clusters of schools across the state. However, what we see here today is special—it is dedicated to one school, Odo Abore Memorial Primary School, which makes it even more impactful. This gesture by His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, provides direct access to ICT learning for these pupils,” he explained.
He concluded by appreciating Dr. Hamzat: “On behalf of Mr. Governor, who is very passionate about education and has made Lagos a reference point in Nigeria, I express our deep gratitude to the Deputy Governor. We truly appreciate this noble act, and we encourage others to follow his example by supporting education in their own alma maters and communities.”
In her welcome address, Princess Olufemi Akinlude, Education Secretary of Mushin Local Government Education Authority, recalled that Dr. Hamzat had promised the project three years ago.
“You made a promise three years ago, that the government will construct an ICT centre here in ODU ABORE PRIMARY SCHOOL and today, we are commissioning the ICT complex, indeed, this government is tagged ‘TALK AND DO’,” she said.
She described the ICT Centre as a gateway to opportunities. “ICT has become the foundation of modern education, business, and even governance. A child who is not ICT compliant in this 21st century risks being left behind. That is why this Centre is not just a building of bricks and mortar – it is a gateway to opportunities, a hub for creativity, and a launchpad for innovation.”
Akinlude said the centre would benefit pupils, teachers, and the wider community. “Our pupils will acquire practical computer skills that will prepare them for higher education and future careers. Teachers will be better equipped to deliver lessons using modern tools, thereby enhancing teaching and learning outcomes. The entire community will benefit, as this Centre has the potential to serve as a training hub beyond the school system,” she said.
While concluding, she expressed confidence in Dr. Hamzat’s political future: “With this pace-setting and lingering intellectual empowerment, come the year 2027, Mushin LGEA, and all its Education stakeholders are with one united voice saying; just like the aspiring eagle, your political career would continue to soar beyond the sky and you would be vividly sighted at the higher corridors of power.”
Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Hon. Tunbosun Aruwe, described the event as significant for the local community.
“Today’s event is very significant because the Deputy Governor has given us a gift that will impact our children’s future—the ICT Centre. Through this facility, what they see on television or hear about technology, they can now practice and experience directly. This will greatly improve their knowledge and open doors of opportunity,” he said.
He assured that the local government would emulate such gestures to bring development closer to the people. “On behalf of Mushin Local Government, I sincerely thank His Excellency for bringing this project home, and I urge my colleagues across local governments to also ensure that our people feel the presence of government in their daily lives.”
The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State Chapter, Engr Ibrahim Adigun, also delivered a message at the event.
He thanked the deputy governor for the gesture and appealed for sustained collaboration.
“I also want to appeal as the chairman of the committee that you also ensure that you use your vibrant position to make sure that you also go forward to the committee. So that anybody that is interested in the committee will benefit from all of this,” Adigun said.
He concluded with prayers and goodwill. “We appreciate you and on behalf of all the members in the mission and beyond, we thank you and we pray for greater prosperity, greater heights and greater determination for you and the future. Thank you so much and God bless you.”
The event drew wide attendance from government officials, royal fathers, community leaders, teachers, parents, and pupils, all of whom celebrated both the Deputy Governor’s birthday and the inauguration of a facility many described as a “gateway to the future.”
Also in attendance were prominent political leaders including the member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yemi Alli; former Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon. Rasaq Ajala; member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Nureni Akinsanya; and Hon. Funmi Tejuosho.
The event equally attracted traditional rulers and chiefs, market leaders and women, traders, teachers, councillors, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as a large number of community stakeholders and well-wishers.
