Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday, officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art Digital Learning Centre at the Model Technical College, Asaba, Delta State, as part of her nationwide effort to promote digital education and empower the country’s youth through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
The First Lady, who joined the event virtually, said the commissioning of the Asaba centre represented another bold step in the Federal Government’s drive to bridge the digital divide and prepare young Nigerians for the opportunities and challenges of a technology-driven world.
Senator Tinubu, who also serves as the National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, explained that the project was part of a broader digital education programme being implemented across 10 states of the federation, including Delta, Edo, Lagos, Zamfara, Yobe, and Nasarawa, among others.
According to her, the initiative aims to equip Nigerians, particularly women and youths, with vital information and communication technology (ICT) skills needed to compete and excel in the global economy.
“This centre, and others like it across the country, will open doors of opportunity for our young people and women.
“Digital literacy is no longer a luxury but a necessity in today’s world, and through this initiative, we are ensuring that no one is left behind, ” she said.
The First Lady commended the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for its technical support and the Office of the First Lady of Delta State for coordinating the project’s successful implementation.
She emphasised that the Renewed Hope Initiative remains focused on building a digitally skilled generation that will drive Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Delivering her remarks at the event, the First Lady of Delta State and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, MrsTobore Oborevworri, expressed deep appreciation to Senator Tinubu for her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to youth empowerment through education and technology.
Represented by the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Josephine Emu, the governor’s wife, described the Asaba Digital Learning Centre as a hub for innovation, creativity, and skills acquisition.
She said the facility would serve students, teachers, and entrepreneurs by offering access to modern ICT tools and digital training programmes.
“This centre is a beacon of hope for our young people. It will not only improve teaching and learning but also nurture innovation and self-reliance among our youths, ” she said.
She urged students and beneficiaries to make judicious use of the facility to expand their knowledge and improve their productivity, stressing that digital competence is crucial to reducing unemployment and fostering national development.
Mrs Oborevworri also advised that students be encouraged to take full ownership of the centre, emphasising that proper utilization of the facility would ensure sustainability and greater impact.
In his address of welcome, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Abdullahi, said the Asaba project underscored the agency’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and ensuring inclusive access to ICT resources nationwide.
He explained that the Digital Learning Centre in Asaba is one of several facilities being established across the country to promote digital literacy, foster innovation, and encourage entrepreneurship among young Nigerians.
“We believe that empowering our young people with digital skills will create opportunities for employment, innovation, and sustainable development,” Abdullahi said.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Technical Education, Hon. Ijeoma Ufoh, lauded the initiative, commending both the Federal and State Governments for prioritising the education and empowerment of young Nigerians.
She described the project as a forward-thinking intervention that would enhance technical education and prepare students for the realities of the digital age.
“The establishment of this centre is proof that government is serious about building the capacity of our youth.
“By investing in their education and digital competence, we are investing in the future of our state and our nation, ” she said.
After the virtual commissiong of the centre by the First Lady, Mrs Oborevworri performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony on behalf of the First Lady and led dignitaries on a guided tour of the newly commissioned facility.
The guests inspected the fully equipped digital classrooms, ICT laboratories, and training suites designed to provide hands-on experience in computer programming, digital design, and other technology-based disciplines.
The event attracted top government officials, education stakeholders, and representatives of partner agencies, who commended the initiative as a major contribution to Nigeria’s digital future.
The commissioning of the centre, marks another significant milestone in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Digital Empowerment Programme, which seeks to build a generation of technologically skilled Nigerians.
Through projects like this, the Federal Government, in collaboration with NITDA and state governments, aims to close the technology gap, create employment opportunities, and promote innovation across the country.
As the curtains fell on the ceremony, the message was clear digital literacy remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s path toward inclusive growth, economic development, and a sustainable future for the nation’s youth.
