Residents of Imodi Ijebu community in Ogun State have been empowered by a leading telecommunications service provider in the country, Airtel Nigeria, with the donation of a fully equipped ICT centre to them.
The gesture was made to the community on Saturday, October 9, 2019, with the facility having over 30 brand new cutting-edge computers.
It was gathered that the ICT Centre was donated under Airtel Nigeria’s CSR initiative, ‘Airtel Touching Lives’; so as to foster learning and give the community members unfettered access to information.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by community leaders, dignitaries, and indigenes, who came out in numbers to witness a momentous development in the community’s history.
Airtel MD Comments on the Donation
Delivering his address at the ceremony, Airtel CEO and Managing Director, Mr Segun Ogunsanya, who is also an indigene of Imodi and was represented by Director of Corporate Communications, Airtel, Mr Emeka Oparah, stated that the ICT centre will usher in a new wave of innovation for the community in today’s technology driven-world.
“At Airtel, we are always excited to offer opportunities that will help uplift communities, empower young people and transform lives.
“We believe an ICT centre is critical to the success of a community and the development of both young and old because it offers a passport to the world. Without ICT, a community will remain isolated, detached, removed, forlorn and hard to reach,” he remarked.
“So, with this newly built ICT Centre complete with very modern computers, and riding on Airtel’s robust 4G/LTE network, Imodi is now fully connected to the world and on a global map.
“With this facility, more entrepreneurs will spring up, the youth will become more productive and the entire ecosystem will blossom and become more prosperous,” he added.
Ogun State Governor Speaks
Ogun State governor, Mr Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Olatokunbo Talabi, commended Airtel for the generous donation; citing the ICT centre as an opportunity for the community to grow in the areas of education and technology.
Mr Talabi went on to appeal to the community to make proper use of the facility and see it as a means to explore and empower themselves through research, so as to stay relevant. In the governor’s address, he stated, “Please, don’t let’s make this a youth centre only – let’s make sure others also get the benefit of this remarkable facility. Please, ensure the periodic maintenance of the facility as this is highly important in sustaining the numerous benefits it offers.”
“We are in a technological age that constantly requires we develop and enlighten ourselves through information and as such, this centre will play an important role in developing and empowering this community.
“I will like to commend Airtel Nigeria for this commendable act of generosity – you are undeniably contributing to Ogun State’s continuous efforts towards development in education and other areas and for this, I say thank you”, he added.
ICT Centre to Benefit Other Communities
Mr Emeka Oparah appealed to Imodi community to also accommodate neighbouring communities and give them access to the ICT centre so it may benefit even more people.
He implored the youths to take advantage of the facility’s reliable Airtel 4G internet access and use it to develop themselves through the myriad of information available on the internet.
Head of Community Thanks Airtel
Baale of Olumodi of Imodi-Ijebu, Mr Adewale Okusajo, expressed Imodi’s utmost gratitude to Airtel, stating the ICT centre marks a remarkable development not only in the community but for neighbouring towns as well.
“On behalf of the entire Imodi Imosan community, I would like to deeply thank Airtel for this project. This means a lot to our people, and I assure you we will be make the best use of it.
“We know how important information is today and what you have given us is unlimited access to a world of it. For this, I say thank you once again,” he commented.
The women, youths and children delivered heartfelt cultural music and dance performances in honour of Airtel during the commissioning ceremony to the delight of guests in attendance.
Mr Oparah stated that Airtel remains relentless in its vision to empower more underprivileged people and develop communities across the country under its CSR initiative, ‘Touching Lives’.
Aduragbemi Omiyale 
Adedapo Adesanya