Nigeria’s First Lady Inaugurates Community ICT Centre To Boost Digital Literacy

AKINSINDE ADEOLA OYINDAMOLA

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has officially commissioned a Community ICT Centre established by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) at Ladipo Alayande School of Science, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.

The initiative, aimed at advancing digital literacy and access to technology in Oyo State, is part of a broader national effort to bridge the digital divide.

The project was facilitated through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), a flagship program of the Office of the First Lady, in partnership with NITDA. As part of the government’s social investment interventions, the fully equipped ICT hub has been handed over to the Oyo State Government for community use.

Named in honor of Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande, a former Minister of Trade and wife of Oba Muritala Akande, founder of Splash FM and Lagelu FM, the Ibadan ICT Centre is the third of four such facilities being established across the country through the RHI.

Speaking during the commissioning, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized that the initiative is people-focused and not politically motivated. She underscored the importance of ICT in empowering Nigerians particularly women and girls—by equipping them with the digital skills needed to overcome socio-economic barriers and tap into global opportunities.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for selecting the state as a beneficiary. He assured that his administration would maximize the use of the center to upskill residents, adding that information technology and artificial intelligence are pivotal to Nigeria’s economic future.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, highlighted the federal government’s commitment to laying a strong foundation for physical, human, and digital infrastructure. He encouraged Nigerian youths to take advantage of the new center and position the country for digital growth and innovation.

In her remarks, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande expressed gratitude to both the presidency and Governor Makinde for the honor. She lauded the ICT intervention, noting that such initiatives are transforming Ibadan from an ancient city into a thriving digital hub.