Remi Tinubu Commissions NITDA ICT Centre in Benue, Announces N100m Grant for Women Traders
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday commissioned a Community Information Technology Centre established by the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, as part of efforts to deepen digital inclusion and economic empowerment across the country.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Tinubu described the facility as a strategic investment in human capital development and digital empowerment, aimed at equipping citizens with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world.
She commended the partnership between NITDA and the Renewed Hope Initiative for expanding access to digital infrastructure and opportunities, particularly in underserved communities.
According to the First Lady, the Ihugh IT Centre is the fourth facility established through the collaboration, following similar projects in Bauchi, Kwara and Oyo states.
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Tinubu said the centres were designed to promote digital literacy, innovation and entrepreneurship, especially among women and young people.
She urged members of the host community to take ownership of the facility by making effective use of it and ensuring its sustainability for future generations.
As part of efforts to boost grassroots economic development, the First Lady also announced a N100m grant for 2,000 women petty traders in the area.
She said the intervention was in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative’s commitment to improving livelihoods and fostering inclusive development across the country.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, described the centre as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation that would enable residents to acquire digital skills, access emerging technologies and participate actively in the digital economy.
He explained that the facility would serve as a hub for learning, innovation and enterprise development, creating opportunities for students, entrepreneurs and farmers to leverage technology for productivity and economic growth.
Inuwa noted that digital tools could significantly improve agricultural productivity by providing farmers with access to data-driven solutions such as weather forecasting, soil analysis and precision farming techniques.
According to him, such innovations would help farmers increase yields, reduce costs and improve profitability.
The NITDA boss also noted the agency’s 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 over 13,300 residents through various digital literacy and skills development programmes.
Also speaking, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, described the project as a landmark intervention capable of unlocking new opportunities in education, innovation, entrepreneurship and employment.
He assured stakeholders of the state government’s commitment to providing the necessary support and infrastructure required to guarantee the long-term sustainability of the centre.
