Nigeria’s First Lady and Chairperson of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has inaugurated an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Community Centre at the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin. The initiative, executed in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), aims to enhance digital literacy and bridge the digital divide.
At the commissioning ceremony, Senator Tinubu commended NITDA for its role in expanding digital access nationwide. She noted that four ICT Community Centres have been established under RHI’s social investment programme, with Kwara hosting the second. She further announced that similar centres in Benue and Oyo states are set for commissioning.
“In addition to these centres, five Digital Economy Centres have been fully equipped with computers and ICT materials in Jigawa, Ebonyi, Cross River, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory. Furthermore, ten more centres in Abia, Edo, Delta, Ondo, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, Nasarawa, Yobe, and Zamfara will be commissioned soon,” she said.
Highlighting the importance of digital knowledge, particularly for women and girls, Senator Tinubu emphasized its potential to break traditional barriers and create new opportunities.
“These centres are empowering youths, especially women, with valuable digital skills, enabling them to be self-reliant, enhance their educational prospects, and contribute to the global economy,” she stated. She urged local communities to take ownership of these centres and utilize their resources effectively.
Kwara State Governor, Malam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, lauded the initiative, describing it as an “impactful investment” in the future of Nigeria’s youths.
“Technology is the key to a prosperous future, and sustained investment in digital skills and infrastructure is essential. We appreciate RHI’s dedication to our communities,” the governor said.
NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, reiterated the government’s commitment to leveraging digital innovation for national development. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy.
“This centre is designed with state-of-the-art facilities to provide an interactive and personalized learning experience. It reflects our administration’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital standing globally,” he said.
Inuwa outlined the project’s three-phase approach: integrating digital curricula into primary and secondary education, training educators, and embedding digital literacy into the national education framework by the next academic year.
The ICT Centre is equipped with 48 computer sets, e-learning facilities, alternative power sources, internet access, and other critical ICT components. The commissioning event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Imo State Governor Chief Hope Uzodinma, the wife of the Vice President Hajiya Nana Shettima, the wife of the Senate President, the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and other top government officials.
