Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned a Community ICT Training Centre in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, alongside a N100 million empowerment grant for 2,000 women traders as part of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Key Highlights:
The ICT centre, developed in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency, is designed to expand digital access in rural communities.
It is equipped with modern computer laboratories, broadband internet, and facilities for training in digital literacy, software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies.
Speaking at the commissioning on Wednesday, the First Lady described the project as a strategic intervention aimed at bridging Nigeria’s digital divide and empowering women, youths, and underserved students with relevant 21st-century skills.
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She commended NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, for driving community-based digital development projects, noting that the Benue centre is the fourth ICT facility commissioned under the initiative, following earlier centres in Kwara and Oyo States, as well as others across Abia, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Jigawa, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Mrs Tinubu stressed that digital skills are essential for economic empowerment, education, and global competitiveness, adding that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda focused on economic diversification through industrialisation and digital transformation.
She urged residents of Ihugh and surrounding communities to take ownership of the facility to ensure its sustainability and long-term impact.
In addition, she announced a N100 million empowerment package for women traders in Makurdi and neighbouring communities. Under the scheme, N50 million will be distributed to 1,000 women to recapitalise their businesses, while another N50 million will support an additional 1,000 petty traders.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, described the ICT centre as a transformative project that will help bridge the gap between rural and urban communities.
He pledged the state government’s commitment to ensuring the facility remains functional through reliable power supply, internet connectivity, and skilled personnel.
The Director-General of NITDA added that the centre would serve as a “digital launchpad” for residents, while also supporting farmers with modern tools for precision agriculture, weather monitoring, and improved productivity.
He further disclosed that over 13,300 residents in Benue have benefited from ongoing digital literacy programmes, including the Digital Literacy for All and 3MTT initiatives, with nine digital learning centres already established in the state.
The Tor Tiv, James Ayatse, praised the initiative as a landmark development that will expand opportunities for young people and women, noting its strategic location near a science, agriculture, and technology university in the area.
