Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has once again highlighted the significant role that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays in empowering women and girls across the country.
She made this statement during her speech at the commissioning of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Community ICT Centre, which was set up in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). Mrs. Tinubu took the opportunity to commend NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Abdullahi, and his dedicated team for their efforts in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that communities across Nigeria have access to modern technological resources.
The new ICT center, located at the Kwara State College of Education, forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader vision under the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s economic diversification. The agenda focuses on industrialization and digitalization as key drivers of national development. This initiative comes in response to the increasing need for Nigerians, especially women, to have the necessary digital skills to participate fully in the modern economy.
In her remarks, Senator Tinubu emphasized that knowledge of ICT is not just a skill but a vital tool for community empowerment. This is particularly crucial for women, she pointed out, as it allows them to break through traditional barriers, access new opportunities, and improve their socio-economic standing. She further acknowledged the efforts of NITDA in establishing similar ICT centers across Nigeria, noting that the center in Kwara is just one of several set to make a long-lasting impact. She mentioned that the first ICT center was established in Bauchi State, with new centers in Benue and Oyo States nearing completion.
According to Mrs. Tinubu, the initiative is designed to expand digital access for Nigerian citizens, ensuring that communities across the nation are equipped with essential ICT resources. She also shared the exciting news that Digital Economy Centres, now fully operational in five states – Jigawa, Ebonyi, Cross River, Oyo, Niger – and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), are already providing local populations with computers and other ICT materials. With ten more centers in progress, these centers are expected to further equip Nigerians with the skills they need to thrive in today’s tech-driven world.
In addition to her speech, Mrs. Tinubu expressed her satisfaction with the positive effects these centers have had on the lives of young people, especially women and girls. She pointed out that these centers not only provide opportunities for enhanced education but also allow individuals to build self-reliance, contribute meaningfully to the global economy, and better support their families. She encouraged the people of Kwara State to take full ownership of the center and maximize its potential benefits for the community at large.
As part of her continued commitment to economic empowerment, Mrs. Tinubu also presented a ₦50 million grant as part of the RHI Economic Empowerment initiative. This grant, which was given to the Kwara State First Lady, Olufolake AbdulRazaq, and the RHI State Coordinator, will be used to support 1,000 women petty traders. Each of the 1,000 women will receive ₦50,000 to boost their businesses and help improve their livelihoods.
In his remarks, NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Abdullahi, praised the state-of-the-art facilities available at the new ICT center, which is aimed at providing advanced learning opportunities for students. Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, alongside his wife, expressed their sincere gratitude to Senator Tinubu and NITDA for their continued efforts. They recognized the invaluable contributions of the Renewed Hope Initiative in complementing government policies and initiatives, particularly those focused on improving the lives of Nigerians.