The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Community ICT Centre, established in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
At the commissioning of the ICT centre, built at the Kwara State College of Education, the First Lady commended the Director-General (DG) of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Abdullahi, and his team for working closely with RHI to bridge the digital divide nationwide.
She stated that the construction and equipment provided at the centre were in furtherance of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to accelerate economic diversification through industrialization and digitalization.
The First Lady emphasized that ICT knowledge is a vital tool for empowering communities, especially women, enabling them to break traditional barriers and access new opportunities.
“In collaboration with NITDA, on March 12, 2024, we commissioned the first-ever community ICT centre constructed by NITDA, named the Zainab Bulkachuwa Community ICT Centre in Bauchi State. So far, NITDA has constructed four community ICT centres. The centre we are commissioning today is the second, while the Benue and Oyo centres are ready to be commissioned soon.”
“Today’s commissioning presents us with another opportunity, under the mandate of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, to further expand digital access for our citizens by providing communities with the resources they need to develop ICT skills.”
According to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Digital Economy Centres in five states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have also been fully equipped with computers and other ICT materials.
The five states include Jigawa, Ebonyi, Cross River, Oyo, and Niger, along with the FCT.
She further stated that 10 additional centres in Abia, Edo, Delta, Ondo, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, Nasarawa, Yobe, and Zamfara are currently being fully equipped and will be ready for commissioning soon.
“I have been informed that these centres have greatly benefited our youth, especially women and girls, by providing invaluable opportunities for growth and empowerment. I am glad to hear about the success stories and the opportunities these centres are offering to various communities. By equipping themselves with ICT skills, women and girls can enhance their educational prospects, become self-reliant, participate in the global economy, and support their families. I urge community members to take full ownership of this centre.”
At the commissioning, the First Lady, under the RHI Economic Empowerment program, presented a grant of ₦50 million to the wife of the Kwara State Governor and RHI State Coordinator for onward disbursement to 1,000 women petty traders to help recapitalize their businesses.
According to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, each petty trader will receive ₦50,000 to support their existing businesses.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Abdullahi Inuwa, stated that the centre is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to enhance learning.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and his wife expressed gratitude to Senator Oluremi Tinubu and NITDA for providing the centre. They noted that the RHI has continued to implement programs that complement government efforts in improving the lives of Nigerians.
They urged stakeholders to invest more in society, particularly in the future of young people.
“This project is not just an investment in infrastructure; it makes a powerful statement about the essential role of technology in our survival and progress in this era.”
The centre was named the Amina Ndalolo Community ICT Centre.
After the commissioning, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, proceeded to Kwara State University alongside the RHI National Coordinator, Hajiya Nana Shettima; members of the RHI Governing Board, including the wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila; and wives of state governors.
