The Federal Government has strengthened its digital inclusion agenda with the inauguration of a new Community Information Technology (IT) Centre in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Senator Tinubu described the facility as a strategic investment in human capital development aimed at equipping citizens with the digital skills needed to compete and succeed in today’s technology-driven economy.
The First Lady praised the partnership between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that the collaboration continues to expand access to digital infrastructure and opportunities in underserved communities across the country.
She revealed that the Ihugh Community IT Centre is the fourth facility delivered through the partnership, following similar projects established in Bauchi, Kwara and Oyo states. According to her, the centres are designed to promote digital literacy, innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly among women and young people.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu urged members of the host community to make effective use of the facility and ensure its sustainability for future generations.
In a further demonstration of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s commitment to grassroots economic empowerment, the First Lady announced a ₦100 million grant for 2,000 women petty traders in the area to support their businesses and improve livelihoods.
Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, described the centre as a transformative platform that would enable residents to acquire digital skills, access emerging technologies and participate actively in the digital economy.
He said the facility would serve as a hub for learning, innovation and enterprise development, creating opportunities for students, entrepreneurs and farmers to leverage technology to improve productivity and drive economic growth.
Inuwa highlighted the potential benefits of digital tools in agriculture, explaining that technologies such as weather forecasting, soil analysis and precision farming can help farmers make informed decisions, increase yields and enhance profitability.
The NITDA chief also outlined the agency’s wider 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 more than 13,300 residents through digital literacy and skills development programmes.
Also speaking at the event, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia described the project as a landmark initiative capable of unlocking new opportunities in education, innovation, entrepreneurship and employment.
The governor reaffirmed the state’s commitment to providing the necessary support and infrastructure to ensure the centre remains operational and impactful in the long term.
The inauguration of the Ihugh Community IT Centre marks another step in Nigeria’s efforts to bridge the digital divide, expand access to technology and promote inclusive socio-economic development across communities.
