President Buhari’s Aide On SDGs Visits Senator Abiru Innovation Lab In Ikorodu

Barely two weeks after management team from a top Nigerian bank visited the Senator Tokunbo Abiru Innovation Lab (SAIL) in Ikorodu to assess the facility, curricular and faculties for possible talents hunting, Monday, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Sustainable Development Goals also visited the Innovation hub. 

Orelope-Adefulire, a former Lagos State Deputy Governor commended Senator Abiru for his exceptional programmes especially the setting up of a first-of-its-kind tech innovation hub in the Lagos East Senatorial District that will create lasting socio-economic impact in the lives of participants. 

The SDGs boss said she was not surprised about the unique leadership style and programmes of Senator Abiru in view of his pedigree in the corporate world before his foray into politics.

According to Orelope-Adefulire, investment in knowledge is the currency of our time.

While addressing participants at the Tech Talent class, she said, “I must first of all thank him (Senator Abiru) for being a mentor to all of you and others outside here. 

“Investment in knowledge is the best investment we can make in young people like you for you to have bright future. I want to thank him for setting up this place. It is very unique; it is not a common thing. We have different empowerment programmes like distribution of motorcycles, tricycles and even those that are giving out computers careless about training people on how to make best use of them. But SAIL is a very excellent Innovation hub that will accelerate real prosperity. 

“I am sure in few years from now the impact of the investments will start to manifest. The empowerment you are being giving is to allow you explore and rule your world. I believe each and everyone of you will rule your world in a positive way that will guarantee a bright future for you.

“You need to apply your mind to what you are being taught. There are no limits from what you can benefit from this training. 

“COVID-19 pandemic that hit the world proved to us that there is virtually nothing we cannot do with the smartphone and allied technologies. All over the world, corporations have downsized and many are working from homes because of the enablement of technology.

“Senator Abiru has done his own by providing a platform. Don’t take it for granted. It is a lifetime opportunity. With this knowledge, there is nowhere in the world you can be hired because of the skillsets you are getting here have global relevance”.

In his response, Senator Abiru thanked the SDGs boss for taken out time out of her busy schedules to visit and tour The SAIL facility.

He said the programme was well thought out to ensure that participants who gave the training their best get job placement after the training.

The Senator said; “The expected outcome is that as they are graduating from here they will most likely get job placement which we believe is the best way empowerment ought to be done. So, you are meeting with them formally will also be an inspiration for them. Two weeks ago, we brought a leadership of a bank to come and speak to them. And the faculty lead displayed the curriculum of what they are teaching. They were quite satisfied. There was nothing to add. Which means the curriculum here fit into the work space out there. 

“Out of 4,000 people mostly young folks that applied, we can only accommodate about 150 into the 5 pilot programmes namely; Tech Talent Development, Business 101 for Artisans and Creatives, Startup Accelerator for Businesses, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education for Senior Secondary School Students and Lagos East Teachers fellowship’’.

However, there are arrangements for online training for over 1000 applicants who could not get into the class. 

On behalf of the participants, Oni Abayomi Olayiwola and Modupe Ariyo expressed gratitude for rare opportunity Senator Abiru has provided for them to have their future secured. 

The TACT Advisory Chairman, Alhaji Bode Oyedele, Dr. (Otunba) Saheed Oladapo Ibikunle, Special Adviser to the Senator on Constituency Matters,  Hon Olusegun Olulade,  a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and Mr Adedeji Abisola joined the Senator in receiving Mrs Orelope-Adefulire.