Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday commissioned the Amina Ndalolo Community ICT Centre at the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin. The initiative, a partnership between the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), aims to expand digital literacy and empower communities.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Tinubu commended NITDA for its collaboration and highlighted the importance of ICT in fostering economic growth, particularly for women and youth. She noted that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to enhance industrialisation and digitalisation across Nigeria.
She 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 Centres so far.
“The centre 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,” she said, urging the community to utilise the facility actively,” she said.
As part of the RHI Economic Empowerment programme, Mrs. Tinubu presented a ₦50 million grant to Dr. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, wife of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State. The funds will empower 1,000 women petty traders with ₦50,000 each to recapitalise their businesses, adding to an earlier empowerment of 1,000 women in 2024.
Governor AbdulRazaq praised the First Lady and NITDA for the initiative, describing it as a critical investment in the future of Nigerian youth. He also expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s support in fostering technological innovation in the state.
Mrs Tinubu’s visit included a stop at the Emir of Ilorin’s palace and the distribution of food support to vulnerable groups.
On Wednesday, she is scheduled to inaugurate the Unity Flyover, named in honour of the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
Her entourage included Vice President Kashim Shettima’s wife Nana Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s wife Ekaette Akpabio and wives of governors from across Nigeria, alongside federal and state dignitaries.