As part of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Nigeria’s First Lady and Chairperson of RHI, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned an ICT Community Centre at the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin. The project was executed in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to bridge the digital divide and empower communities through technology.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Senator Tinubu lauded NITDA’s commitment to driving digital transformation across Nigeria.
“So far, NITDA has constructed four Community ICT Centres in collaboration with RHI for social investment purposes. This centre we are commissioning today is the second, while Benue and Oyo centres are ready to be commissioned soon,” she stated.
She further disclosed that additional Digital Economy Centres have been fully equipped with computers and ICT materials in Jigawa, Ebonyi, Cross River, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Another 10 centres in Abia, Edo, Delta, Ondo, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, Nasarawa, Yobe, and Zamfara are also ready for commissioning.
Highlighting the transformative power of digital literacy, she emphasized that ICT skills empower women and youths, giving them access to educational opportunities, economic self-reliance, and global competitiveness.
“I am glad to hear about the success stories and opportunities these centres are affording members of various communities. By equipping themselves with ICT skills, women and girls can enhance their educational prospects, be self-reliant, participate in the global economy, and support their families,” she added.
The First Lady urged Kwara residents to take full ownership of the ICT Centre, stressing that its success depends on active community participation.
Kwara State Governor, Malam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the First Lady, and NITDA, describing the initiative as a game-changer for digital literacy.
“Technology is here to stay, and the only path forward is to aggressively invest in skills and infrastructure that will secure a prosperous future for our people. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Her Excellency and RHI for this remarkable investment in our communities and youths,” AbdulRazaq said.
In his address, NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to harnessing digital innovation for national growth.
“This project attests to the president’s commitment to strengthening the digital economy and enhancing our citizens’ digital proficiency. The centre is designed with state-of-the-art facilities to deliver a smart, interactive, and personalized learning experience,” he noted.
He further emphasized Nigeria’s human capital potential, stating that digital education will be embedded into primary and secondary school curricula in partnership with the Ministry of Education.
The ICT Centre boasts 48 computer sets, e-learning tools, alternative power supply, high-speed internet, and other essential ICT components.
The commissioning event was attended by Imo State Governor, Chief Hope Uzodinma, Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, Wife of the Senate President, Wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Wife of the National Security Adviser, and several state governors’ wives and top government officials.
