By Maria Famakinwa
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has inaugurated and handed over a Digital Learning Centre for women in Ondo State.
The event, held at the Ondo State Public Service Training Institute (PSTI), Ilara-Mokin, is aimed at equipping women with digital skills to enhance their productivity in today’s technology-driven world.
Speaking virtually at the commissioning, Senator Tinubu said the initiative was part of efforts to expand digital literacy among women, which is one of the key pillars of the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
She disclosed that 15 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres had already been equipped and inaugurate across the country, with plans to establish more.
“I am delighted to commission ten digital centres across ten states, including Ondo State. The ones earlier inaugurated were named after notable women who contributed positively to women’s development.
“We hope these training centres will help women fit into today’s digital world and contribute meaningfully to boosting economic activities and national development,” she stated.
In her opening remarks, Wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, expressed appreciation to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment across the country, especially in Ondo State.
Mrs Aiyedatiwa described the inauguration as a powerful demonstration of the collective belief that digital transformation is not merely about technology, but about empowering citizens and building a prosperous future for the state and the nation.
“These digital centres are more than just buildings; they are gateways to opportunity, equipping our youth, entrepreneurs and citizens with essential skills to thrive in the 21st-century economy,” she said.
She added that the Renewed Hope Initiative recognises that a strong economy grows from the grassroots, hence the focus on providing access to digital tools and training to create a generation of digitally literate Nigerians ready to innovate and lead.
“I thank Senator Tinubu for her foresight and dedication, and also NITDA for their expertise and partnership in bringing this to fruition,” she noted.
Mrs Aiyedatiwa urged prospective users of the centre to embrace the opportunity with open minds and determination.
“We are confident that the Digital Centre will unlock new potential, foster economic growth and help secure a brighter, more digitally empowered future for all,” she added.
Director-General of the Ondo State Public Service Training Institute, Mr. Olumide Asere, also commended Senator Tinubu’s commitment to women and youth empowerment and appreciated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his continuous support in promoting technological advancement in the state.
He revealed that PSTI was chosen as a beneficiary because of its modest achievements in technological development, noting that the centre had trained 150 youths in ICT skills this year.
“I want to thank Governor Aiyedatiwa for helping us drive technology in the state, which is the way forward in today’s world. I equally thank Senator Oluremi Tinubu for this great initiative, because the greatest investment in our youth is skill one that can positively impact their future,” he said.