First Lady Tinubu Launches ICT Centre Project, Commends NITDA For Bridging Digital Divide

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria's First Lady and Chairperson of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has opened a new ICT Community Centre at the Kwara State College of Education in Ilorin, Kwara State. The Centre was built by the Information Technology (IT) sector regulator in partnership with RHI.

During the event, the First Lady praised NITDA for its efforts in reducing the digital gap across the country. She mentioned that NITDA has already built four Community ICT Centres with RHI as part of their social investment work.

"This Centre we are commissioning today is the second, while Benue and Oyo Centres are ready to be commissioned soon," Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA said, as per the official statement shared on X (formerly known as Twitter):

Senator Tinubu also mentioned that other Digital Economy Centres have been set up in five states—Jigawa, Ebonyi, Cross River, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory—and are fully equipped with computers and other ICT materials.

She revealed that 10 more Digital Economy Centres in Abia, Edo, Delta, Ondo, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, Nasarawa, Yobe, and Zamfara states are also ready, with equipment installed, and will be launched soon.

First Lady emphasized the importance of ICT knowledge in today's world, highlighting how it helps empower communities, especially women, by breaking traditional barriers and creating new opportunities.

She acknowledged that the ICT Centres are benefiting many young people, especially women and girls, by offering valuable chances for growth and empowerment.

"I am glad to hear about the success stories and opportunities these centers are affording members of these various communities that have benefited from these interventions," she added. "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."

The First Lady encouraged the community members to take full ownership of the centers, stating that their success depends on how actively people participate and use the resources available.

At the event in Ilorin, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State highlighted the importance of technology and the need for investments in skills and infrastructure to secure a prosperous future. The governor expressed gratitude to the First Lady and the RHI for their significant investment in the communities and youth.