The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre named after former Minister of Industry and renowned industrialist, Mrs. Onikepo Akande, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The centre, located within the premises of Ladipo Alayande School of Science, Oke-Bola, Ibadan, is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at bridging the digital divide and expanding access to technology across Nigeria.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Senator Tinubu described the initiative as a demonstration of the current administration’s commitment to leveraging technology for national development and economic transformation.
“The establishment of this ICT centre underscores our resolve to equip citizens, particularly women and young people, with the tools needed to thrive in the digital age. This centre will serve as a catalyst for innovation, empowerment, and progress,” she stated.
The First Lady noted that the centre is the third of such facilities inaugurated under the Renewed Hope Initiative and will serve as a hub for digital training and community empowerment.
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, in his goodwill message, lauded the initiative and emphasized the urgent need to shift focus from oil dependency to investments in Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence. He assured that the state would fully utilize the centre to unlock digital opportunities for its people.
The wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Tamunomini Makinde, who warmly welcomed dignitaries to the event, commended the First Lady for her consistent and impactful support to Oyo State. She recalled Senator Tinubu’s people centred interventions, including the recent donation of food items to vulnerable residents across the state.
The Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, described Ibadan as a traditional centre of educational excellence in Nigeria. He affirmed that the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening digital infrastructure nationwide. He disclosed that over 40,000 youths have been trained in digital skills in Oyo State in the last 18 months alone under President Tinubu’s digital economy agenda.
In her remarks, the honouree, Mrs. Onikepo Akande, expressed her appreciation to the First Lady for the recognition and the vision behind the project. She applauded Mrs. Tinubu’s passion for women empowerment and national development. She also commended the wife of the Oyo State Governor for her continuous support and described her as a strong pillar behind her husband’s successful administration.
The event was also attended by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, wives of several state governors, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, top government functionaries, and other distinguished personalities.
Victor Okebunmi
