We need technology to compete with China, others

By Zika Bobby 

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has stated that the nation needs a global leap in technology to be able to compete with China and other developed countries.

Speaking during the commissioning of the Senator Abiru Innovation Hub, SAIL, in Ikorodu, Lagos, at the weekend, Sanwo-Olu said the hub, which is meant to train young people in latest technological innovations was the brainchild of Senator Tokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos West Senatorial District, in partnership with Co-Creation Nigeria.

The governor said technology would give the nation advancement and opportunity to create solution here and globally. “We are proud that what we cannot do, those coming behind us will do it. I am glad that Microsoft wants to make Nigeria its African hub. As a governor, we will continue to provide enabling environment for businesses to thrive. About 80 per cent of new investments came to Lagos last year. Lagos will remain home to major international players. To the students of this innovation hub, this opportunity is to give you hope and future to express yourself and ensure that you own that future.

Once you finish your training here, we hand you over to Microsoft and Meta,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Speaking on what gave birth to the idea of the innovation laboratory, Senator Abiru went down memory lane to when he was in the banking sector, where he rose to become the managing director and chief executive officer of Skye Bank, now Polaris Bank.

He said when he started his career in Guaranty Trust Bank, the bank started the idea of real time online banking. However, he later discovered that when they did technological upgrade in his time as managing director of Skye Bank, most of their staff could not cope with the new technology. He added that while people might have certificate, skill is very important.

“We have global economic meltdown but there are jobs out there but only that many don’t have the skills to do these jobs. That is where Sail Innovation Laboratory comes in,” Abiru said.

In his own remarks, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the co-founder and chief executive officer of Co-Creation Nigeria, said that it is young people that drive innovation and growth. “We have to engage and empower them to be able to do this driving. There are numerous people doing amazing things. It is what these people are doing that will drive innovation in our community. That is why Sail Innovation Laboratory is special. Young people on Ikorodu will start to build solutions on Ikorodu.”