Remi Tinubu Unveils ICT Centre in Benue, Grants N100m to Women Traders

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria's First Lady commissioning the IT Centre in High, Vandeikya Benue state, with the state Gov, Hyacinth Alia and, DG NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa in attendance 

.... As Senator Tinubu describes the facility as a strategic investment in human capital development, designed to equip citizens with digital skills and create pathways to economic empowerment in an increasingly technology-driven world.

..... The ICT centre is established through a partnership between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Renewed Hope Initiative.

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned a state-of-the-art Community Information Technology (IT) Centre in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, as part of ongoing efforts to bridge Nigeria's digital divide and expand opportunities in the digital economy.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Senator Tinubu described the facility as a strategic investment in human capital development, designed to equip citizens with digital skills and create pathways to economic empowerment in an increasingly technology-driven world.

The ICT centre, established through a partnership between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Renewed Hope Initiative, is the fourth of its kind across the country, following similar projects in Bauchi, Kwara and Oyo states.

The First Lady said the centres are aimed at providing digital literacy, innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities, particularly for women and youths, urging residents to make effective use of the facility and ensure its sustainability.

In a major boost to grassroots economic empowerment, Senator Tinubu also announced a ₦100 million grant for 2,000 women petty traders in the area, reaffirming the Renewed Hope Initiative's commitment to improving livelihoods and promoting inclusive development.

Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, described the newly commissioned centre as a catalyst for transformation that would enable residents to acquire digital skills, access emerging technologies and participate meaningfully in the nation's digital economy.

According to him, the centre will serve as a hub for learning, innovation and enterprise development, providing students, entrepreneurs and farmers with opportunities to leverage technology for productivity and economic growth.

Inuwa noted that digital tools can revolutionise agricultural activities through access to weather forecasts, soil analysis and precision farming techniques, helping farmers improve yields and profitability.

He further highlighted NITDA's ongoing interventions in Benue State, including the establishment of a Community ICT Centre in Wannune, nine Digital Learning Centres across the state, and the training of over 13,300 residents through various digital literacy and skills development programmes.

Governor Hyacinth Alia described the project as a landmark intervention that would unlock new opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, innovation and employment for the people of the state.

He assured stakeholders of the state government's commitment to providing the necessary support and infrastructure to guarantee the long-term sustainability of the facility.

The commissioning of the Ihugh Community IT Centre marks another milestone in the Federal Government's drive to expand digital inclusion, empower communities and accelerate socio-economic development through technology.