Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned a new community ICT centre in Ibadan, a move seen as a step toward bridging the country’s digital divide and equipping women and youth with essential tech skills.

The state-of-the-art facility, located at Oladipo Alayande School of Science, was built by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and delivered under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)—a programme run from the Office of the First Lady. Named in honour of former Trade Minister, Chief (Mrs.) Onikepo Akande, the centre is a social investment project aimed at boosting digital education in Oyo State.

During the launch, Senator Tinubu emphasised the need for inclusive tech access, especially for women and girls. “This centre will help women and girls gain skills to empower their communities, overcome cultural limitations, and unlock new opportunities,” she said.

Part of a Bigger National Push

The Ibadan facility marks the third of such digital centres launched nationwide, with at least ten more currently in development. Senator Tinubu noted that the fourth centre, located in Benue State, would soon be ready for commissioning.

She highlighted that the RHI’s efforts are non-partisan, pointing out that the initiative is committed to serving all Nigerians regardless of political affiliations. “We do the work because we are all Nigerians. Positions will come and go, but impact remains,” she said.

Encouraging community ownership, the First Lady urged locals to fully utilise the centre’s resources. “The success of this centre depends on your participation,” she added, while also thanking the Oyo State Governor and his wife for their support.

Governor Seyi Makinde, speaking at the event, underscored the urgency of economic diversification. He stated that Nigeria’s future prosperity lies in education and tech-driven entrepreneurship—not crude oil.

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