Digital Economy: NITDA, RHI activate IT Community Centre in Ibadan

*The National Information Technology Development Agency discloses the newly-inaugurated state-of-the-art IT Community Centre, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, will offer digital skills training and a competitive edge in the evolving global tech industry, particularly for women and young Nigerians

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

As part of ongoing efforts at bridging the digital divide while empowering youth and women across, the state, 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, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

ConsumerConnect reports NITDA disclosed the newly-inaugurated IT Centre was donated to Oladipo Alayande School of Science, in Oke-Bola, Ibadan, and named in honour of Mrs. Onikepo Akande, a distinguished daughter of Oyo State.

The agency said tech facility was provided with the aim of providing digital skills training, particularly for women and young people.

It also noted that the IT Centre is expected to offer participants “a competitive edge in the evolving global tech industry”.

In her special remarks on the occasion, Nigerian First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu, CON, OON, emphasised the ripe of the facility in achieving one of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s key priority areas.

The area, First Lady Tinubu stated, is to accelerate economic diversification through digitisation, industrialisation, innovation, and the creative arts.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu disclosed that the commissioning of the tech centre is a step forward in the collective mission to empower citizens, especially women and youths, with the skills needed to thrive in the Nigeria Digital Economy.

She further stated: “We are not stopping here. I am pleased to announce that ten more IT Centres will soon be commissioned across various states.”

The First Lady equally observed that the other digital economy centres have been fully equipped with computers and ICT materials in five additional states of the Federation.

She, therefore, urged members of the community to take full ownership of the centre.

“The success of this centre depends on your active participation and utilisation of available resources,” Senator Tinubu asserted.

In his goodwill message at the event also, Governor. (Engr.) Oluseyi Makinde of Oyo State, applauded NITDA and RHI for bringing the initiative to the state.

NITDA said Governor Makinde highlighted the high standards of the facility, and pledged the Oyo State Government’s support to ensure its sustainability and maximum impact on the people of the state.

He also noted: “Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, that is the road to the future, and I am glad that under the Renewed Hope Initiative, you’ve brought this to Oyo State.

“I can give you the assurance that we will take full advantage of it.”

Speaking at the project commissioning, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, stated that the IT centre would serve as an avenue for youths to acquire globally relevant digital skills, build startups and create solutions that could compete on the global stage.

Earlier in his welcome remarks to the event, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, described the collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative as a strategic intervention to boost Nigeria’s digital talent pool.

Inuwa explained that the Ibadan IT Community Centre is equipped with cutting-edge technologies, designed to provide a smart and personalised learning experience.

The NITDA Chief Executive lauded First Lady (Senator) Tinubu for her leadership and passion for empowering underrepresented groups.

The Director-General said: “Your Excellency’s vision and commitment have been instrumental in actualising this initiative.

“You are giving Nigerians the tools to unlock their potential in the digital economy.”

IT Centre to enhance digital literacy, reduce unemployment, says Inuwa

Malam Inuwa affirmed the newly-commissioned centre is part of a broader national agenda to enhance digital literacy, reduce unemployment, and foster innovation-driven development across Nigeria

Inuwa also disclosed that the IT sector regulatory agency has worked with the Federal Ministry of Education to develop digital literacy and skills curriculum that would be infused as part of the formal education in schools.

He as well encouraged school administrators and community leaders to ensure accessibility and sustainability of the IT facility.

“The centre is open to all, and we want to see a cross-pollination between the school and the community,” Inuwa added.

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