The Coalition of Associations in Computer Village (CACOVI) has initiated a campaign to relocate Computer Village to the new N40 billion Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Business Park in Katangowa, Lagos. This endeavor, which commenced on Wednesday, is a collaborative effort involving Sterling Alternative Finance, Bridgeways, and the Lagos state government.
Timi Famoroti, President of CACOVI, emphasized that the inauguration aimed to raise awareness about the imminent relocation of Computer Village to the advanced ICT Business Park. Famoroti highlighted the consensus among CACOVI members to transition to a more accommodating environment devoid of intimidation or harassment, affirming their right to a space conducive to business growth.
Famoroti stressed the significance of the ICT park, describing it as an international market opportunity that would enable members to own their own shops, thereby fostering investment and advancement.
Ifeanyi Akubue, President of the Phone and Allied Products Dealers Association (PAPDA), echoed readiness among members to relocate but identified financial constraints as a primary hurdle. Akubue disclosed plans to engage a bank to facilitate access to funds for relocation, with the aim of securing seven-year financing terms.
Acknowledging the importance of collaboration, Akubue emphasized the need for synergy between members and Computer Village leadership to tap into bank funding, leveraging the supportive stance of the Lagos state government.
Kehinde Apara, President of the Association of Mobile Communications Device Technicians (AMCODET), expressed eagerness among technicians to participate in the ICT Business Park, considering themselves integral to its success.
Jimmy Onyemenam, CEO of Bridgeways Global Project Limited, underscored the long-standing efforts to relocate Computer Village, citing the launch as a means to increase awareness and affordability. He emphasized Sterling bank’s role in providing alternative finance, making the transition feasible for traders through a lease-to-own model.
The project, situated on a 15-hectare parcel of land in Agbado Oke-Odo CDA, Alimosho, was initiated in 2006-2007 by Bola Tinubu and inaugurated in 2019 by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, signaling the culmination of years of anticipation and speculation.