Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has called for stronger community participation in digital literacy and innovation as efforts to expand access to technology-driven opportunities gained momentum in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State.
She said digital inclusion remains central to efforts aimed at bridging inequality and expanding opportunities for women and young people across the country.
Senator Tinubu made call on Tuesday while commissioning an ultra-modern Community ICT Centre in the local government.
The First lady emphasised the importance of sustaining technology-driven initiatives that support education, skills development and economic empowerment.
The project, implemented through a partnership between the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is aimed at expanding digital literacy and empowering communities through technology.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Tinubu described the centre as a landmark intervention designed to bridge the digital divide and create opportunities, especially for women and young people.
According to her, the ICT centre in Ihugh becomes the 16th digital centre established nationwide under the Renewed Hope Initiative, while several other digital economy centres across states have also been equipped with computers and ICT facilities.
She said “the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in driving economic diversification through industrialisation and digital transformation.”
The First Lady encouraged residents to take ownership of the facility and maximise its opportunities for learning, innovation and community development.
As part of the event, she announced an empowerment grant of ₦100 million for petty traders in Benue State.
The fund will support 2,000 women, with ₦50 million allocated to Vandeikya Local Government Area and another ₦50 million to Makurdi and surrounding communities.
Beneficiaries are expected to receive ₦50,000 each to strengthen existing small businesses.
The Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, described the ICT centre as a transformational project that will expand access to digital education, online work opportunities, entrepreneurship and economic inclusion.
Governor Alia said the centre would provide short technical courses for youths, promote e-learning, support students with internet-enabled educational resources, and create pathways into technology and digital entrepreneurship.
He assured that the state government would support the sustainability of the facility through reliable power supply, internet connectivity and trained personnel.
Also the Director-General of the NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, explained that “the facility was established to strengthen grassroots digital literacy and human capital development.”
He noted that “the centre features a fully equipped computer laboratory with broadband internet and will offer training in software development, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, with emphasis on women, youths and underserved students.”
According to him, NITDA has built several digital learning centres in Benue State and trained more than 13,000 residents through various digital capacity programmes.
Also speaking, the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Professor James Ayatse, commended the Nigerian Government and the Renewed Hope Initiative for locating the project in Ihugh.
He described the centre as timely and strategic, noting that it would support youth empowerment, improve digital inclusion and complement the emerging education and technology ecosystem in the area.
The traditional ruler also appealed for the rehabilitation of key road networks across Benue State, including the Makurdi–Gboko–Katsina-Ala axis and other major routes affecting economic activities.
The ICT Centre is expected to serve not only Ihugh Community but neighbouring Communities by creating access to digital skills, innovation and opportunities within the growing digital economy.
