First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Commissions Community ICT Centre in Ilorin
Empowering Communities Through Digital Access and Economic Support
Ilorin, Kwara State – Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has inaugurated the Amina Ndalolo Community ICT Centre at the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin. The project, executed by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), aims to bridge the digital divide and empower communities through technology.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Senator Tinubu commended NITDA’s Director-General, Malam Kashifu Abdullahi, and his team for their dedication to expanding digital access nationwide. She emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes economic diversification through industrialization and digitalization.
"The knowledge of ICT is a powerful tool for empowerment, especially for women. It helps break traditional barriers and provides access to new opportunities," the First Lady stated.
Expanding Digital Access Across Nigeria
Senator Tinubu highlighted that the Kwara ICT centre is the second of four such facilities built by NITDA under the partnership, following the commissioning of the Zainab Bulkachuwa Community ICT Centre in Bauchi State on March 12, 2024. Additional centres in Benue and Oyo States are set to be commissioned soon.
She further disclosed that Digital Economy Centres in Jigawa, Ebonyi, Cross River, Oyo, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been fully equipped with computers and ICT resources. Another 10 centres across Abia, Edo, Delta, Ondo, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, Nasarawa, Yobe, and Zamfara States are nearing completion.
"These centres have provided invaluable opportunities for youth, particularly women and girls, enabling them to enhance their education, become self-reliant, and participate in the global economy," she noted, urging community members to take full ownership of the newly commissioned facility.
Economic Empowerment for Women Traders
In addition to the ICT initiative, Senator Tinubu, through the RHI Economic Empowerment program, presented a ₦50 million grant to the wife of Kwara State Governor and RHI State Coordinator for disbursement to 1,000 women petty traders. Each beneficiary will receive ₦50,000 to boost their small businesses.
Government and Stakeholders Commend Initiative
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and his wife expressed gratitude to the First Lady and NITDA for their contributions, noting that such initiatives complement government efforts to improve citizens' lives.
"This project is not just about infrastructure; it is a bold statement on the role of technology in our survival and progress in the modern era," the governor stated.
The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President; members of the RHI Governing Board; Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, wife of the Chief of Staff to the President; and wives of state governors.
Following the commissioning, the First Lady proceeded to the Kwara State University to engage with students and stakeholders on further empowerment initiatives under the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Signed
Busola Kukoyi
SSA Media to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
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