Omolabake Fasogbon
A communication technology company, the 21st Century Technologies has keyed into United States of America’s vision to propel digital transformation and foster digital ecosystem in Nigeria.
The vision received a boost recently as the US unveiled a tech and creative space ‘ America Corner’ in 21st Century’s corporate headquarters in Lekki, Lagos.
By this stride, 21st Century becomes one of the 245 centers where the US has established American Corners since 2000.
The center was commissioned by US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who was joined by CEO of 21st Century Technologies, Wale Ajisebutu.
Blinken disclosed that America Corner which now has presence in approximately 60 countries was poised to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity amongst youths.
He explained that US partnership with 21st century was deliberate and aligns with the country’s objective to advance technology and creativity among Nigerian youths.
21st Century is reputed to be first in Nigeria to have deployed Fibre optics network in 1997 and also pioneered Nigeria’s data centre infrastructure, which has been shaping the country’s digital landscape.
Blinken said, “Back in November of 2021, I had an opportunity to come to Nigeria and to talk about building a 21st century partnership, a 21st century partnership with Africa countries, and to move from those questions about what we can do for Africa to a different question, what can we do with Africa.
“I see this playing out in so many places now as we work together to meet shared challenges that no single one of us can effectively meet alone, and the bottom line, to actually deliver results to our people.”
The American Corner boasts of resources and facilities like digital studio, workshops, multimedia and tech equipment, amongst others.
The facilities are made available freely for young Nigerians to explore their inventiveness, entrepreneurial, and creative interests.
Commenting on the initiative, Ajisebutu said, “This is a testament of our dedication to tech advancement and of course, our passion for tomorrow’s leaders. We have always believed in partnership as a key element of success. We want to be part of Nigeria’s innovation journey to becoming most advanced digital services in Africa and beyond.”
The launch of the space was also witnessed by government representatives from both Nigeria and US, including the United States Chargé d’Affaires, David Greene and Consul General in Lagos as well as Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
