BY SAM OTUONYE
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Education Secretariat, on Wednesday June 3, 2026, commissioned a digital library donated by Abuja Mega Lions Club to improve access to digital learning and research.
The project is located at the City Library, Wuse Zone 4, with over twenty brand new desktop ready-to-use computers, a one-year internet subscription as well as lockable bag shelves for the library users.
The President of the club, Dr Charles Bassey, who initiated the project said it was aimed to drive literacy and empower the citizenry for self-development.
He said: “Almost one year ago, on the 1st of July, when I took on the leadership of our great humanitarian club for this Lions Service Year, we adopted as our theme for the year, Service Beyond Today, to challenge our humanitarian approach by embedding design thinking that will ensure whatever projects we embarked upon, outlive us. It is this singular disposition that underline our needs assessment and commitment to embracing a functional digital library within a public service institution in the Federal Capital Territory to drive literacy and expand the space for transforming ideas to action in a world characterized by rapid technological change.
“A functional library is an equalizer of sorts to democratize access and empower the citizenry for self-development, entrepreneurial growth, and social engagement.”
He acknowledged the critical role of partnership in achieving the project, from his club members, education Secretariat and the city library management team.
“Partnership between the private sector and the public sector also made this project possible. We reached out formally to the Federal Capital Territory Education Secretariat through the Education Resource Center. And I must say, over the years of our work, we have not received the kind of support and collaboration that has been made possible, provided by the Secretariat and Education Center.
“My club members keyed into this project and unanimously adopted it as our core project for this service year. And that made a lot of difference because it informed their pledging, their personal resources of their time, talent, and treasure to make it successful.”
Also speaking, the Honourable Secretary of FCT Education Secretariat, Dr Danlami Hayyo, commended the Mega Lions Club and its leadership on executing the laudable project noting that it aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu which places great emphasis on human capital development and digital inclusion as well as the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike’s interest in strengthening educational infrastructure.
“Today marks another important milestone in our collective effort to improve access to quality education and knowledge resources for the people of the Federal Capital Territory. On behalf of the FCT Education Secretariat, I sincerely commend and appreciate the Abuja Omega Lions Plus District under the leadership of Dr. Charles Bassey for this laudable intervention.
“The renovation and upgrade of the digital library, provision of electronic resources, sponsorship of a one-year internet subscription and installation of bags shelves, demonstrates a strong commitment to education, literacy, and community development. These interventions align perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,
which places great emphasis on human capital development, digital inclusion, youth empowerment, and expanding access to quality education for all in Nigeria.
“It also complements the significant investment being made by the Honorary Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, CON, and the Honorary Minister of State, Dr. Maria Mahmud, in strengthening educational infrastructure and creating an enabling environment for learning across the FCT.”
He stated that the project is an investment into the future, providing students, teachers, researchers and the general public with greater access to information, digital learning tools, and opportunities for lifelong learning in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Responding to the appeal of the Abuja Mega Lions Club for sustained co-operation, Dr Hayyo said: “If am part of this very great, important club or not as far as education is concerned, I know the value of collaboration, the importance of partnership. That’s why we give sharp-sharp approval. So, thanks for us. We’ll continue. As far as I read the content of your request, I don’t think it will last more than one, two minutes without approving if the content is aligned with our aims and objectives, as Education Secretaries, we don’t have any problem. We are looking for more. And more comes, how can we not approve? Please bring more.”
In her remarks, the Director, FCT Education Resource Centre, Dr Neemat Daud Abdulrahim, thanked the Abuja Mega Lions Club for their intervention in improving digital learning and research development.
“Today’s event would not have been possible without the generosity and public-spirited commitment of Abuja Mega Lions Club District, under the distinguished leadership of Dr. Charles Bassey. We are particularly grateful for your intervention in the renovation and modernization of the Digital Library, the provision of electronic resources, sponsorship of one-year internet subscription, and the installation of bag shelves for library users. Through these contributions, the Club has not only improved the physical infrastructure of the facility but has also expanded opportunities for digital learning, research, and access to information.”
Drs Hayyo and Abdulrahim were presented plaques of appreciation and formally inducted into the Abuja Mega Lions Club.
