​

The Federal Government’s drive for nationwide digital inclusion achieved a significant milestone with the official commissioning of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Community IT Centre in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State. Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, unveiled the new facility, describing it as a strategic investment in human capital designed to equip citizens with vital tech skills for a rapidly evolving digital world.
During the ceremony, the First Lady commended NITDA for its ongoing partnership with her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). She revealed that the Ihugh IT Centre marks the fourth facility established under this collaborative effort to bring digital infrastructure to underserved communities, following successful rollouts in Bauchi, Kwara, and Oyo states.
Senator Tinubu emphasized that these centres are purpose-built to foster digital literacy, innovation, and entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on empowering women and youth. She urged the host community to take full ownership of the facility, utilizing its resources effectively while ensuring its long-term sustainability for future generations.
In a major boost for grassroots economic empowerment, the First Lady also announced a ₦100 million grant to support 2,000 local women petty traders. This financial injection reinforces the Renewed Hope Initiative’s core mandate of improving livelihoods and driving inclusive economic growth at the community level.
Echoing her sentiments, NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa hailed the new centre as a transformative hub for learning and enterprise. He explained that the facility will empower students, entrepreneurs, and local farmers to leverage modern technology, noting that digital tools can revolutionize local agriculture through data-driven solutions like weather forecasting and precision farming.
Inuwa further highlighted NITDA’s expansive footprints in Benue State, which include another Community ICT Centre in Wannune and nine Digital Learning Centres across the state. He added that the agency’s robust capacity-building initiatives have already equipped over 13,300 Benue residents with critical digital skills.
Welcoming the development, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia described the project as a landmark intervention that opens fresh pathways for education, employment, and innovation. He assured stakeholders that the state government is fully committed to providing the necessary infrastructural support to ensure the centre thrives as a cornerstone for regional development.