AMBODE COMMISSIONS UPGRADED LIBRARY, THANKS ZENITH

The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has commissioned the upgraded Isolo Public Library in a bid to inculcate the culture of reading and research among Lagosians.

While addressing the audience at the commissioning of the newly upgraded public library in Isolo, the governor reiterated the government’s commitment to having an educated and literate population in Lagos state through ensuring access to knowledge. He said the upgraded library is one of the centres that would host the Code Lagos Initiative.

The governor, who was officially represented by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Olufemi Odubiyi said “ as we all know, all discoveries, advancements, technological breakthroughs, scientific innovations and so on are products reading, studying, learning and research which no doubt revolves around books”.

He implored the public, particularly students to take advantage of the newly upgraded public library, noting that, the library which is part of the “Adopt a Library Initiative” of the state government presents a platform to promote reading culture.

He further revealed that, facilities installed in the library are 21st century compliant as the library was equipped with ICT facilities and power generating sets to provide unlimited access to information and knowledge. He commended Zenith Bank PLC for partnering with the state government and supporting the initiative to promote a knowledge-driven economy by adopting Isolo Public Library.

The sole administrator, Isolo LCDA, Hon. Abimbola Oshinkoya who was in attendance at the commissioning exercise lauded the state government describing it as “another milestone in the annals of the state”.

She, however, implored the community to take ownership of the library and make productive use of the library as such will encourage the state government to provide more infrastructures in the community.

Also speaking at the event was the Special Adviser to the governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Elemo who said, the library was meant to encourage Lagosians to read and conduct research. He stressed that one of the code centres would be set up at the library where people could learn how to code as government is targeting bringing one million Lagosians into the coding world by 2019. He concluded saying the maintenance of the library would be outsourced as government is committed to ensuring the longevity of the project.

One of the students of Isolo Senior High school identified as Akinwande Gbenga who was present at the event said, “It is a great pleasure to be at the opening event of the upgraded library, the facilities there are now sophisticated than before, the textbooks there have increased greatly”. He confessed he visits the library occasionally but will increased the rate of his consultation especially now that it has been upgraded.

“ Students can just come in during holidays or at leisure times to read. There are many new computers there which will aid our study. There are many textbooks there we can read which will give us the opportunity to study wide and excel in our exams especially in WAEC”. He concluded appreciating the state governor for upgrading the library, “the governor had done very well, I really love him. I pray he continues with grace and God will bless him”.