In a significant move to enhance educational opportunities in Delta Central, Senator Ede Dafinone has commissioned several Information Communication Technology (ICT) Centres and donated equipment to schools as part of activities marking his two-year anniversary in office.
The initiative underscores the critical role of ICT in providing qualitative education for students and teachers in Urhobo nation.
Senator Dafinone expressed that the primary aim of establishing ICT Centres in various schools was to foster an interest in computer literacy among both students and educators.
The schools that received the important upgrade are Ogor Technical School, Orhuwhorhun High School and Urhobo College, while that of Sapele Technical School was the renovation of classroom blocks and provision of equipment for technical studies.
Additionally, a new 500KVA transformer was installed on Dafinone road, Ward 1, to improve power supply.
During the commissioning events at each school, Dafinone emphasized the importance of educational development, stating, “The development of our children is a critical assignment the state and federal governments must carry out to ensure that Urhobo must never fall below first place in this country.”
He reiterated his commitment to elevating the Urhobo people to a top-level status within Nigeria.
Highlighting the necessity for ICT facilities in educational institutions, Dafinone remarked, “Our children must be equipped to compete nationally and internationally. Without ICT qualifications and training, they will be unable to thrive in a globally connected world.”
He pointed out that modern technology allowed for remote work, and thus, it was essential for the youth to be prepared for these opportunities”.
Dafinone also called attention to the inadequacies of facilities at both the state and federal levels, urging private sector involvement and encouraging alumni to contribute resources to their former schools.
He noted that one ICT center per school was insufficient; ‘every classroom should be equipped with computers to meet the demands of contemporary learning’. His vision includes expanding ICT reach throughout all local government areas in Delta Central Senatorial district in 2025, with significant allocations in the 2024 and 2025 budgets.
Earlier, at Ogor Technical School, the Principal Mr, Akanbi Oyewone, thanked Senator Dafinone for providing sets of computer and Digital Blackboard for the school, noting that it would would greatly improve the educational system of the school and enable students expand their knowledge.
At Orhuwhorhun High School, Mrs. Margaret Iwhiwhu, appreciated Senator Dafinone for the giant project he had brought to the school from the Federal Government. She testified that parents were happy to seeing their children being able to access the computer in the school, Dafinone through this project had exposed students to modern technology.
At Urhobo College, the Principal, Mr. Charles Owonogor, thanked Senator Dafinone for the laudable project brought to Urhobo College, saying the ICT Centre would help the students in their educational pursuits, especially in preparation for their external examinations.
At Sapele Technical School, the Principal Mrs. Itanwansa Rosemary, expressed gratitude for Senator Dafinone’s initiatives in renovation of classrooms and the provision of equipment for the electrical engineering laboratories with transformers, Switch Gears and Prepaid Meters Prototype for practical training. She added that the initiative would further make positive impact on students.
Students also conveyed their appreciation to Senator Dafinone for the introduction of ICT equipment, which, they believe, would significantly enhance their learning capabilities and prepare them for global competition.
Meanwhile, Senator Dafinone also commissioned 500KVA Transformer at Dafinone road Ward 1, in Sapele local government area of Delta State.
This, according to him, was in continuation of fulfilling his campaign promises to his people.
Residents of the area expressed their gratitude, reinforcing the notion that the benefits of democracy should reach all constituents.
Comr. Justice Erikefe, a resident, stated, “We appreciate the Senator’s efforts and recognize that the dividends of democracy must address the needs of the people.”