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

The governor reiterated government’s commitment to having an educated and literate population through ensuring access to knowledge.

Ambode, while speaking at the commissioning of the library in Isolo, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria said the upgraded Isolo Library was not just a reading center, but would also serve as an innovation hub centre, as well as one of the centres that would host the Code Lagos Initiative.

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

The governor revealed that facilities at the Library facilities were 21st century compliant as the library was equipped with ICT services which provided unlimited access to information and knowledge.

He urged the public, particularly students and researchers to take advantage of the opportunity the newly upgraded Isolo Library offered, noting that the Library, which was part of the ‘Adopt a Library initiative’ of the State Government presented a platform to promote reading culture.

Ambode said that the Adopt a Library initiative and projects 350 initiatives were long- term strategies of the State Government aimed at ensuring that all Lagos State Libraries and Secondary Schools (Junior & Senior) were well equipped with modern facilities.

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.

Also speaking, Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Obafela Bank-Olemoh said the library was meant to encourage Lagosians to read and carried out research.

He said one of the Code Centres would be set up at the library where people could learn how to code, as government was targeting bringing one million Lagosians into the coding world by 2019.

Bank-Olemoh added that the maintenance of the library would be outsourced as government was committed to ensuring the longevity of the project.