L-R Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, DG, NITDA; Wife of Oyo State Governor Engr (Mrs) Tamunominini Makinde; Oyo State Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde; Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady Federal Republic of Nigeria; Dr Bosun Tijani, HM, Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; former Minister of Trade, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has officially commissioned a state-of-the-art IT Community Centre, as part of ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide and empower youth and women across the state, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In honor of Mrs. Onikepo Akande, a distinguished daughter of Oyo State, the centre, was donated to Oladipo Alayande School of Science in Oke-Bola, Ibadan, Oyo State, and aimed at providing digital skills training, particularly for women and young people. It is expected to offer participants a competitive edge in the evolving global tech industry.
Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON OON, while delivering her speech at the event, emphasized the center’s role in achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s key priority areas which is: accelerate economic diversification through digitization, industrialization, innovation, and creative arts.
The commissioning of the center is a step forward in collective mission to empower Nigerians, especially women and youth, with the skills needed to thrive in a digital economy. “We are not stopping here, I’m pleased to announce the ten IT Centers will soon be commissioned across various states,” she added.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, while noting that other digital economy centres have been fully equipped with computers and ICT materials in 5 other states, she urged members of the community to take full ownership of the centre. “The success of this centre depends on your active participation and utilization of available resources.”
The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, who delivered a goodwill message during the event, praised NITDA and RHI for bringing the initiative to the state. He highlighted the high standards of the facility and pledged the state government’s support to ensure its sustainability and maximum impact on the people of Oyo State.
“Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, is the road to the future, and I am glad that under the Renewed Hope Initiative, you’ve brought this to Oyo State and am sure assure we will take full advantage of it,” he promised.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani stated that the centre will serve as an avenue for youths to acquire globally relevant digital skills, build startups and create solutions that can compete on the global stage.
The DG NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, during his speech, described the collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative as a strategic intervention to boost Nigeria’s digital talent pool. He explained that the Ibadan IT Community Centre is equipped with cutting-edge technologies designed to provide a smart and personalized learning experience and lauded Senator Tinubu for her leadership and passion for empowering underrepresented groups.
“Your Excellency’s vision and commitment have been instrumental in actualizing this initiative. You are giving Nigerians the tools to unlock their potential in the digital economy,” he said.
Inuwa noted, that the newly commissioned centre is part of a broader national agenda to enhance digital literacy, reduce unemployment, and foster innovation-driven development across the country, he disclosed that the agency has worked with the Ministry of Education to develop digital literacy and skills curriculum that will be infused as part of the formal education in schools.
“The centre is open to all, and we want to see a cross-pollination between the school and the community.” While encouraging the school administrators and community leaders to ensure its accessibility and sustainability, he added.
