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As part of its contribution to the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) social investment programme, Nigeria’s First Lady and chairperson of RHI, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned another ICT community centre, built by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with RHI, at the Kwara State College of Education in Ilorin, the state capital.
Speaking at the lively commissioning event, the First Lady commended NITDA for its significant efforts in bridging the digital divide across the country. She emphasised the agency’s role in empowering communities through technology, particularly by providing access to digital skills and knowledge.
“So far, NITDA has constructed four Community ICT Centres in collaboration with RHI as part of its social investment initiatives. The centre we are commissioning today is the second, while those in Benue and Oyo are set to be commissioned soon,” she stated.
She further disclosed that additional digital economy centres had been fully equipped with computers and other ICT materials in five states – Jigawa, Ebonyi, Cross River, Niger and the Federal Capital Territory. According to her, ten more centres in Abia, Edo, Delta, Ondo, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, Nasarawa, Yobe and Zamfara are also ready and will be commissioned shortly.
Highlighting the transformative impact of ICT on communities, especially for women and young people, Senator Tinubu noted that digital skills serve as a powerful tool for breaking traditional barriers and unlocking new opportunities.
“I have been informed that these centres are greatly benefiting young people, particularly women and girls, by providing invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth. I am delighted to hear the success stories of individuals who have been empowered through these centres,” she said.
“By equipping themselves with ICT skills, women and girls can enhance their educational prospects, achieve self-reliance, participate in the global economy and support their families,” she added.
The First Lady urged the community to take full ownership of the centre, emphasising that its success depends on the active participation and utilisation of the available resources. She encouraged students and residents to take advantage of the centre’s facilities to improve their digital proficiency and economic opportunities.
Kwara State governor, Malam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq lauded President Bola Tinubu, the First Lady and NITDA’s management for what he described as a highly impactful initiative.
“Technology is the future, and the only way forward is to aggressively invest in the skills and infrastructure that will secure a prosperous future for our people,” the governor said.
“As we commission this ICT Community Centre today, I extend our heartfelt appreciation to Her Excellency and RHI for this remarkable investment in our communities and youths,” he added.
In his welcome address, NITDA’s director-general, Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi emphasised that the project reflects the President’s commitment to harnessing digital innovation for national development and inclusivity.
Describing the initiative as a critical step in strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy, Abdullahi noted that the centre was designed to provide citizens with a state-of-the-art learning environment equipped with smart, interactive and personalised training experiences.
“Knowledge is the foundation upon which nations build sustainable and robust economies. This aligns with President Tinubu’s vision to elevate Nigeria to a premier status in the global digital economy by harnessing the potential of digital innovation for national prosperity and inclusivity,” he said.
To achieve this goal, Abdullahi explained that the President had directed NITDA to enhance productivity in key sectors such as education.
“That is why we are here today – to commission this initiative. The President is fully committed to this, and our mother, the First Lady, through her initiative, is partnering with NITDA to deliver this centre to the people of Kwara State,” he added.
The NITDA boss further highlighted that the centre aligns with the First Lady’s vision of empowering women, vulnerable groups and students with the knowledge they need to succeed in life.
“We appreciate your support, Ma, for partnering with NITDA to implement this initiative,” he said.
He explained that the project is part of NITDA’s broader Digital Literacy for All initiative, recognising that Nigeria’s greatest resource is not its natural minerals but its human capital.
“This is the only way we can achieve sustained and inclusive economic growth as a nation,” Abdullahi stated.
He also revealed that NITDA’s digital literacy initiative is structured into three key phases.
“We have worked closely with the Ministry of Education to develop a curriculum for primary and secondary schools. This year, we are training teachers, and by the next academic session, digital skills will be fully integrated into Nigeria’s formal education system,” he explained.
The newly commissioned centre is equipped with 48 computer sets, e-learning facilities, an alternative power source, high-speed internet connectivity, and other essential ICT components. These features are designed to support a wide range of digital learning programs for students and the wider community.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Imo State governor, Chief Hope Uzodinma; Wife of the vice-president, Hajiya Nana Shettima; wives of the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, National Security Adviser; as well as several wives of state governors and other top government officials.
With this initiative, NITDA and RHI continue to play a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s digital economy by providing access to ICT tools and training. The establishment of these centres is expected to drive digital inclusion, create new economic opportunities and empower citizens with essential 21st-century skills.
As more centres are commissioned in different states, the Renewed Hope Initiative and NITDA remain committed to fostering a digitally empowered Nigeria, ensuring that every community has access to the resources needed to thrive in the digital age.
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