Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has issued a clarion call to Nigerian youths, urging them to tap into the vast potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to build self-reliance and secure their future relevance. The governor made this appeal on Thursday during the official unveiling of the ‘Window on America’ initiative, an ICT project developed through a collaboration between the American Consulate and GFA Technologies, hosted at the Ogun State Tech Hub on Kobape Road, Abeokuta.
According to okay.ng reports, Governor Abiodun described the establishment of this American Window as a visionary public-private partnership. He emphasized that the initiative is a product of joint efforts among the Ogun State Government, represented by the Bureau of Information Technology, the innovative GFA Technologies group, and the United States mission. He highlighted that the space is designed as a dynamic and inclusive platform to connect the aspirations of young Nigerians with global opportunities.
The governor stressed Ogun State’s commitment to digital innovation, noting that the state recognizes its transformative power in fostering sustainable economic growth, creating jobs, and improving citizens’ quality of life. “This understanding is what has led us to make considerable investments in our digital infrastructure, ranging from fibre optic connectivity to digital literacy initiatives and innovation clusters across the state,” he said.
He further explained that the Window on America is more than just a physical space; it is a hub for knowledge exchange, skill development, and peer collaboration among young people locally and internationally. “This is where global ideas and ideals converge with local ambitions,” Governor Abiodun remarked.
The governor also highlighted the administration’s belief in collaboration over competition, noting that innovation flourishes when borders are expanded through shared vision. The facility offers free programming classes, an English conversation club, digital literacy workshops, and discussions on global affairs. It also provides access to American-authored books, journalism, and digital resources, which Governor Abiodun described as “the essential tools of the future workforce.”
JoEllen Gorg, Acting Consular General of the United States, praised the Window on America as a symbol of what strong and innovative leadership can achieve. She noted that this center is part of a growing network of 29 American spaces across Nigeria and the second in Ogun State. The space aims to equip young Nigerians with skills in entrepreneurship, leadership, and technology, while also offering guidance on studying in America, English language learning, and cultural engagement.
The American envoy revealed that the facility is equipped with modern computers, high-speed internet, and access to thousands of physical and electronic books, as well as billions of academic articles through e-library resources. She encouraged youths, entrepreneurs, teachers, and creatives to make full use of the resources, assuring them of America’s ongoing support.
Debo Omololu, representing GFA Technologies, disclosed that his company has invested N400 million in Ogun State and employs over 1,000 software engineers at the center. He urged young people to seize the opportunities presented by the project to become relevant in the future.
The event also included a courtesy visit by the Acting Consular General to Prince Abiodun at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
