In a significant development aimed at empowering Nigerian youths, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has called on young people to leverage the opportunities within the Information and Communication Technology sector to achieve self-sufficiency and future relevance. The governor made this statement during the inauguration of the ‘Window on America’ ICT project, a joint initiative by the American Consulate and GFA Technologies, located at the Ogun State Tech Hub in Abeokuta.
Governor Abiodun described the new facility as a result of a strategic public-private partnership involving the Ogun State Government’s Bureau of Information Technology, GFA Technologies, and the US mission. He emphasized that the project is designed to bridge the gap between the ambitions of Nigerian youths and the global opportunities available to them.
Highlighting Ogun State’s commitment to digital transformation, the governor pointed out the state’s investments in fibre optic infrastructure, digital literacy programs, and innovation clusters aimed at fostering economic growth and job creation. He said, “This initiative represents more than a space; it is a platform for knowledge exchange, skills development, and peer-to-peer collaboration between our young minds and their counterparts not just in the United States but in the entire world.”
Governor Abiodun also noted that the project reflects the administration’s philosophy that collaboration fosters innovation and that shared visions can transcend borders. The Window on America offers free programming courses, English language clubs, digital workshops, and access to American literature and journalistic resources, which the governor described as “essential tools of the future workforce.”
JoEllen Gorg, Acting Consular General of the United States, praised the project as a testament to visionary leadership. She explained that the Window on America is part of a network of 29 American spaces across Nigeria and serves as a hub for developing entrepreneurial, leadership, and technological skills. The center also provides guidance on studying in the United States and promotes cultural and artistic exchanges.
The American official highlighted that the facility is equipped with state-of-the-art computers, high-speed internet, and access to a vast digital library containing millions of academic resources. She encouraged youths, entrepreneurs, educators, and creatives to utilize the center’s offerings fully.
Debo Omololu of GFA Technologies revealed that the company has invested N400 million in Ogun State and currently employs over 1,000 software engineers at the tech hub. He urged young people to take advantage of the opportunities to build relevant skills for the future.
The launch event was preceded by a courtesy call from the Acting Consular General to Prince Abiodun at his office in Abeokuta.