News Highlights:
- Senator Oluremi Tinubu commissioned NITDA’s Community IT Centre in Ihugh, Benue State, the fourth centre established through the NITDA-Renewed Hope Initiative partnership
- The First Lady announced a N100 million grant for 2,000 women petty traders, reinforcing efforts to improve livelihoods and promote inclusive economic development.
Nigeria’s drive towards digital inclusion and grassroots economic empowerment gained further momentum as the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commissioned the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Community IT Centre in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State.
The commissioning ceremony highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide, expanding access to technology, and creating opportunities for inclusive socio-economic development, particularly in underserved communities.
Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu described the facility as a strategic investment in human capital development and digital empowerment, designed to equip citizens with the skills and opportunities required to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
She commended NITDA for its collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative in expanding digital infrastructure and opportunities across the country, noting that the Ihugh IT Centre is the fourth facility established through the partnership, following similar projects in Bauchi, Kwara and Oyo states, among others.
The First Lady noted that the centres are intended to provide access to digital literacy, innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities, especially for women and young people, and urged members of the host community to make effective use of the facility and ensure its sustainability for future generations.
In a further demonstration of support for grassroots economic development, Senator Tinubu announced a N100 million grant for 2,000 women petty traders in the area, an intervention, she said, reflects the Renewed Hope Initiative’s commitment to improving livelihoods and promoting inclusive development across communities.
In his remarks, NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, described the newly commissioned facility as a catalyst for transformation that would empower residents with digital skills, access to emerging technologies and opportunities within the digital economy.
He explained that the centre would function as a hub for learning, innovation and enterprise development, enabling students, entrepreneurs and farmers to harness technology for increased productivity and economic growth.
According to Inuwa, digital tools have the potential to revolutionise agricultural activities through access to data-driven solutions such as weather forecasting, soil analysis and precision farming techniques, helping farmers improve output and profitability.
The NITDA Director General also outlined the agency’s broader interventions in Benue State, including the establishment of a Community ICT Centre in Wannune, the creation of nine Digital Learning Centres across the state, and the training of more than 13,300 residents through various digital literacy and skills development programmes.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Governor Hyacinth Alia described the project as a landmark intervention capable of opening new opportunities in education, innovation, entrepreneurship and employment. He assured stakeholders of the state government’s commitment to providing the necessary infrastructure and support required to guarantee the centre’s long-term sustainability.
The commissioning of the Ihugh Community IT Centre underscores ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and its partners to deepen digital inclusion, expand access to technology and unlock new pathways for economic growth and development across Nigeria.
