By Paul Aondoakaa, Makurdi 

Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)/National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Community ICT Training Centre in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State. During the event, she also announced a N100 million grant package for 2,000 women traders in Makurdi and surrounding communities.

The initiative aims to expand digital literacy, technology-driven skills and economic opportunities for rural residents, particularly women and young people.

Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Community ICT Training Centre in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, describing the project as a strategic investment in digital inclusion and community development.

The centre, established through a partnership between NITDA and the Renewed Hope Initiative, is equipped with a computer laboratory and broadband internet connectivity. It is designed to provide training in digital literacy, software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and other technology-related skills for women, youths and underserved students.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Mrs Tinubu commended NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Abdullahi, and his team for their efforts in bridging the digital divide through community-based technology initiatives.

She said the collaboration between NITDA and the Renewed Hope Initiative was helping to expand access to digital tools and opportunities for communities across Nigeria.

The First Lady noted that the Benue facility is the fourth ICT centre established under the initiative. Similar centres have previously been commissioned in Kwara and Oyo states, while additional digital economy facilities have been provided in Abia, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Jigawa and the Federal Capital Territory.

According to her, digital technology remains a powerful tool for empowering women and young people by creating pathways to education, employment and participation in the global economy.

She stated that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes economic diversification through industrialisation and digitalisation.
Mrs Tinubu urged members of the host community to take ownership of the facility and ensure its effective use and sustainability.

Beyond the ICT project, the First Lady announced a N100 million empowerment package targeted at women traders. She disclosed that N50 million would support 1,000 women to recapitalize their businesses, while another N50 million would benefit an additional 1,000 petty traders in Makurdi and surrounding communities.

She also commended Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for his commitment to the development of the state and encouraged residents to continue supporting his administration.

Governor Alia described the ICT centre as a transformational project capable of narrowing the digital gap between urban and rural communities.

He said the facility would provide technical training, support online learning, encourage entrepreneurship and create income-generating opportunities for young people through digital platforms.

The governor assured that the state government would ensure the centre's sustainability through adequate power supply, internet connectivity, qualified trainers and community participation.

According to him, the facility would remain a functional hub for innovation, learning and economic empowerment rather than becoming an abandoned infrastructure project.

NITDA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Kashifu Abdullahi, said the decision to locate the centre in Ihugh reflected the First Lady's commitment to extending development opportunities to underserved communities.

He described the facility as a digital launchpad that would help residents acquire relevant skills, develop innovative solutions and participate in Nigeria's growing digital economy.

Abdullahi added that the centre would also support agricultural productivity by training farmers to use digital tools for weather monitoring, soil analysis, precision farming and crop management.

He revealed that more than 13,300 residents of Benue State had already benefited from NITDA's digital literacy programmes, including the Digital Literacy for All initiative and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme.

According to him, NITDA has established nine digital learning centres across the state and continues to support the government's smart school initiative through training in artificial intelligence, robotics and emerging technologies.

The Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, commended the First Lady for what he described as a landmark intervention that would expand opportunities for women and young people.

He recalled Mrs Tinubu's previous visit to Benue following the Yelewata attack and thanked her for maintaining engagement with the state.

Ayatse noted that the ICT centre's location near institutions focused on science, agriculture and technology would enhance its impact and contribute to youth development, digital literacy and socio-economic growth.