The Federal Government has intensified its drive toward digital inclusion and grassroots empowerment with the commissioning of a state-of-the-art Community Information Technology Centre by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State.
Speaking during the inauguration, Senator Tinubu described the facility as a significant investment in human capital development, designed to equip citizens with the digital knowledge and skills needed to participate effectively in the modern technology-driven economy.
The First Lady praised the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for its collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative in extending digital infrastructure and opportunities to underserved communities across the country. She noted that the Ihugh ICT Centre is the fourth facility delivered through the partnership, following similar projects in states including Bauchi, Kwara, and Oyo.
According to her, the centres are strategically positioned to promote digital literacy, innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment, particularly among women and young people. She urged members of the host community to make optimal use of the facility and ensure its preservation for future generations.
In further demonstration of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s commitment to economic empowerment, Senator Tinubu announced a N100 million grant to support 2,000 women petty traders in the area, aimed at improving livelihoods and fostering inclusive economic growth.
Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, described the newly commissioned centre as a transformative platform that will provide residents with access to digital skills training, emerging technologies, and opportunities within the digital economy.
He explained that the facility would function as a centre for learning, innovation, and enterprise development, benefiting students, entrepreneurs, artisans, and farmers seeking to leverage technology for improved productivity and sustainable growth.
Highlighting the impact of technology on agriculture, Inuwa noted that digital tools can help farmers access critical information such as weather forecasts, soil analytics, and precision farming solutions, enabling them to enhance productivity and increase profitability.
The NITDA boss also outlined the agency’s broader digital development initiatives in Benue State, including the establishment of a Community ICT Centre in Wannune, the deployment of nine Digital Learning Centres, and the training of over 13,300 residents through various digital literacy and capacity-building programmes.
Also speaking at the event, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, described the ICT Centre as a landmark intervention that would create new opportunities for education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment across the state. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to providing the necessary support and infrastructure to ensure the facility’s sustainability and long-term impact.
The commissioning of the Ihugh Community IT Centre reflects ongoing national efforts to bridge the digital divide, expand access to technology, and create inclusive pathways for socio-economic development across Nigeria.
