Speeches

Presentation Of Certificates To Computer Training Students At Surulere Local Government Secretariat

Jul 5, 2008 - The essence of politics is service-service delivery to the people; the electorate who through the exercise of their civic responsibilities in a democracy elected their political leadership. This relationship between the people and their elected representatives is contractual and should expectedly be mutually beneficial to both parties. The representative must show leadership at all times and demonstrate a deep sense of commitment, diligence and loyalty to the cause of the people. A good political leader is at home with his people, feels their pulse and share their feelings and aspirations for a better society.

What we are witnessing here today therefore, is a manifestation of a fulfilled desire for service. As a true representative of the people, Hon. Kabir O. Lawal has demonstrated his genuine commitment towards uplifting the living standard and economic status of his people within his immediate constituency, and has therefore responded to these challenges through this economic empowerment initiative. I am very pleased to be here today to share in the joy of this occasion and to express my support for this commendable effort.

This initiative is in line with the overriding policy thrust of this administration on poverty alleviation and sustainable economic growth. The free computer training you have received is a step towards empowerment and an opportunity to be self-employed and create your own future opportunities. Apart from this, knowledge in computer appreciation and application is a necessary prerequisite to make you relevant in today’s competitive job market and in the world of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

You will agree with me that computer appreciation is significant in virtually every sector of the economy and in this age of globalization, computer training for students is most desirable to become more efficient and relevant.

My advice for the graduands of today is that you should make maximum use of this opportunity by putting into practice your knowledge and utilise it to improve on your academic career, job prospects and your economic status.

Our government has long appreciated the significance of computer education to the learning, especially in the 21st century. It is against this background that we have decided to equip most of our post-primary schools with computer and introduced computer studies as a subject in the curriculum. Recently, we built and equipped more computer laboratories to also encourage and expose our staff and students to computer learning.

In the six (6) Skills Acquisition Centres, we have across the state, we have introduced the learning and teaching of computer appreciation to our students to expose them to the world of Information and Communication and Technology (ICT). We believe that it would not only boost their career but would help empower them, alleviate poverty and create job opportunities.

Once again, I congratulate you all on this opportunity and as I said earlier, you should make use of this privilege to empower yourselves and improve on your career. It would be a wise decision on your part to use this opportunity and by so justify your training. I do appreciate Honourable Kabir Olajide Lawal and commend your effort and initiative in this direction which is purely a product of selfless service. It shows that as a man of the people, you have their interest at heart and ready to help the needy, especially in your constituency. I am sure many other concerned individuals and representatives of our people would emulate this kind gesture and thereby deepen the meaning of democracy dividends to them. Once again congratulation to you and the one hundred and one 101 students graduating today.

Thank you and God bless.

Eko O Ni Baje O!

Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN),
Executive Governor,
Lagos State