A digital library with five reading rooms and other modern facilities has been built for public use by the Mushin Local Government Area in Lagos State. The aim, according to the chairman of the council, Hon Olatunde Adepitan, is to change the mindset and psyche of the residents of the council, expose them to material that can enhance their economic wellbeing and draw youths from all forms of crime.
He said although his administration has embarked on projects to improve the welfare of people, none of such efforts was able to change the psyche of the people.
“It was for this reason that we decided to embark on the construction of this library in order to help build the minds of youths, through reading and writing. It is an investment we believe can help us to develop the minds of the youth through curious research.
“The internet facilities here are free, but shall be monitored to guide against abuse. It is strategically located in order to serve a large percentage of the target audience; the youth. It has five large reading rooms, children library, archives, library for the aged, among others,” Adepitan said.
He, however, used the opportunity to appeal to philanthropic organisations to assist in equipping the library in order to meet the council’s expectations.
At the event were state legislator, Bolaji Ayinla Yusuf; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademorin Kuye; Auditor General for Local Govts, M.M. Hassan among others.
Kuye said the inspection exercise was part of government’s effort to ensure transparency and accountability in the councils , just as he appealed to all officers that will be part of the inspection to be diligent, objective as well as protect the interest of the government.
“The inspection is not meant to witch-hunt anyone, or suppress information but it is to complement government’s effort at providing dividends of democracy to the masses, he said ”
