News Highlights:
- NITDA and Renewed Hope Initiative Launch IT Centre in Ibadan to Empower Youth and Women
- First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Announces Plans for 10 More Centres Nationwide
In a major stride toward empowering Nigerian youth and women through technology, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has commissioned a state-of-the-art IT Community Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Digital TimesNG understands that the facility, located at the Oladipo Alayande School of Science in Oke-Bola, was named in honour of Mrs. Onikepo Akande, a celebrated daughter of Oyo State, and is designed to offer digital skills training to young people and women, helping them gain a competitive edge in the global tech ecosystem.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, highlighted the centre’s role in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to accelerate economic diversification through digitisation, industrialisation, innovation, and the creative economy.
“This commissioning marks a step forward in our collective mission to empower Nigerians, especially women and youth, with the skills needed to thrive in a digital economy,” she stated.
She further announced, “We are not stopping here. I am pleased to announce that ten more IT Centres will soon be commissioned across various states.”
Senator Tinubu also encouraged community involvement, urging local residents to take full ownership of the centre. “The success of this centre depends on your active participation and utilisation of available resources,” she said.
Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, delivered a goodwill message, commending NITDA and RHI for bringing such a high-quality initiative to the state.
“Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence—that is the road to the future, and I am glad that under the Renewed Hope Initiative, you’ve brought this to Oyo State. I can give you the assurance that we will take full advantage of it,” he affirmed.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasized the centre’s role as a launchpad for young Nigerians to develop globally relevant digital skills, build startups, and create competitive solutions.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, described the partnership with RHI as a strategic move to expand Nigeria’s digital talent base, noting that the Ibadan IT Community Centre is equipped with advanced technology to deliver a smart and personalised learning experience.
He praised Senator Tinubu for her vision and dedication to empowering underrepresented groups. “Your Excellency’s vision and commitment have been instrumental in actualising this initiative. You are giving Nigerians the tools to unlock their potential in the digital economy,” he said.
Inuwa further disclosed that the centre forms part of a broader national plan to improve digital literacy, combat unemployment, and promote innovation-led development, and revealed that NITDA is also collaborating with the Ministry of Education to incorporate digital skills and literacy into the national school curriculum.
Encouraging both school administrators and local leaders to ensure widespread access and long-term sustainability, he concluded, “The centre is open to all, and we want to see a cross-pollination between the school and the community.”