Truconnected, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has donated no fewer than 20 laptops to three tertiary institutions and five secondary schools in Ondo State.
The NGO donated the laptops on Friday in Akure in collaboration with the office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
The event had the theme “Repurpose Empower and Transform Sustainability & the Importance of Bridging the Digital Divide”.
Mr Kaye Kuye, Truconnected Founder, said the gesture was to create a future where no one was left behind.
According to him, digital access comes with opportunities and opportunity comes with change, and we believe that access to technology should be a human right.
Kuye said that the Truconnected mission was to support students, teachers, farmers, entrepreneurs and community builders, while the laptops were given out to people as power and opportunity to learn and lead.
“To every recipient today, this is your moment. Take this gift and invest in yourself, use it for growth, use it for good, learn the digital skills that will open new doors.
“So, anytime someone powers on a Truconnected laptop, you are powering on possibilities. Every email sent, skills learnt and opportunity accessed is a proof that transformation is happening.
“Truconnected’s commitment is to repurpose, empower and transform, not just in Ondo State alone, but across Nigeria. Government agencies and others should support our mission,” he said.
Also, Mrs Yemi Agbede, Truconnected Program Director, said three tertiary institutions and five secondary schools, including school of persons living with disabilities, benefitted from the gesture across the state.
Agbede explained that Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba (AAUA) was selected from Ondo North Senatorial District; and Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) from Central Senatorial district.
She also said Olusegun Agagu University of Technology, Okitipupa, was chosen from the South Senatorial District.
“The secondary schools that benefitted include Anglican Grammar School, ijare; Ijo-Mimo Oluwa High School, Akure and Aquinas College, Akure, among others,” she said.
Similarly, Mr Tomide Akinribido, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on ICT, said the time had come for society to be adopted and transformed to ICT skills, digital literacy and youth empowerment.
Akinribido, the keynote speaker, said the state government trained 500 youths on ICT recently and urged people to adopt computer skills for their betterment and the state, at large.
“Access to computers and Internet devices is a way to bridge the gap between those in underserved areas or communities and those who are not.
“What the Truconnected is doing today is to enhance and prepare our students, especially those to write West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO).
“Both examinations have been switched to Computer Based Test (CBT),” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Seun Osamaye, Special Adviser (SA) on Women Affairs to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, commended Truconnected for the gesture, which he said, would enhance the digital drive agenda of “Our Ease” of the governor.
Osamaye, the special guest of honour, expressed confidence that the students would use the devices to make things better for themselves in their learning instructions.
“It will also connect them globally. We are calling on philanthropists, individuals, NGOs to collaborate with our governor on achieving his mandate for the people,” she said.
Dr Akindele Ige, Administrative Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Education Science and Technology, appreciated Truconnected for supporting the students and institutions.
He said the ministry was aware of their efforts in the state, and thanked NGOs, philanthropists and those ready to assist the government in reducing the financial burden of education.
“We want more from NGOs and those who are outside, they should come and assist our students for them to excel in their education,” he said.
Two of the beneficiaries, Miss Akintade Ayomide of Anglican Grammar School, Ijare; and Miss Oyeleye Favour of Ijo-Mimo Oluwa High School, Akure, appreciated Truconnected and promised to utilise the device judiciously.
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