Says knowledge of ICT serves as a significant tool of empowerment
The First Lady, of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu has commissioned the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Community ICT Centre, established in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
At the commissioning of the ICT centre built at the Kwara State College of Education the First Lady commended the Director-General (DG) of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Abdullahi and his team for working closely with RHI to bridge the digital gap nationwide.
She said the construction and equipment provided at the center were in furtherance of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to accelerate economic diversification through industrialization and digitalization.
The First Lady added that the knowledge of ICT serves as a vital tool for empowering communities, especially women, enabling them to break traditional barriers and access new opportunities.
“In this collaboration with NITDA, on March 12, 2024, we commissioned the first-ever ICT community centre constructed by NITDA, named the Zainab Bulkachuwa Community ICT Centre in Bauchi State.NITDA has constructed four Community ICT Centers so far. The center we are commissioning today is the second, while Benue and Oyo centres are ready to be commissioned soon”.
“Therefore, today’s commissioning presents us with another opportunity under the mandate of the Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy to further expand digital access for our citizens, by providing communities with the resources they require to develop ICT skills”.
According to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Digital Economy Centres in five states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have also been fully equipped with computers and other ICT materials.
The five states include Jigawa, Ebonyi, Cross River, Oyo, Niger, and the FCT
She said 10 additional centers in Abia, Edo, Delta, Ondo, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, Nasarawa, Yobe, and Zamfara are being fully equipped and will be ready for commissioning soon.
“I have been informed that these Centres have greatly benefited our youth, especially women and girls, by providing invaluable opportunities for growth and empowerment. I am glad to hear about the success stories and the opportunities these centres are offering members of these various communities that have benefitted from this intervention. 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. I urge the community members to take full ownership of this centre.
Also at the commissioning, the First Lady, under the RHI Economic Empowerment scope, presented a grant of 50 million naira to the wife of the Kwara State Governor and RHI State Coordinator for onward disbursement to 1000 women petty traders to re-capitalise their already existing businesses.
The money, according to Senator Oluremi Tinubu is to support another set of 1,000 women each petty trader will get the sum of 50,000 naira each.
In his remarks, the Director General of NITDA, Mallam Abdullahi Inuwa Kashifu said the centre was equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for robust learning.
Gov. Abdulrazaq of Kwara state and his wife thanked Senator Oluremi Tinubu and NITDA for providing the centre, pointing out that the RHI has continued to pursue programs that have continued to complement governments efforts at making life better for Nigerians.
They urged everyone to do more for the society saying It is important to invest particularly in the future of the youth.
“This project is not just an investment in infrastructure; it makes a powerful statement about the essential role of technology in our survival and progress in this era.”
The centre is named Amina Ndalolo Community ICT Centre.
After the commissioning, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu moved to the Kwara State University o of the RHI hajia Nana Shettima, members of the RHI Governing Board including the wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mrs Salamatu Gbajabiamila and wives of State governors.
