The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has commissioned and handed over a Digital Learning Centre for Women in Ondo State.

The event took place at the Ondo State Public Service Training Institute (PSTI), Ilara-Mokin. It aims to help women in the state function effectively in a fast-changing digital world. The new digital learning initiative is part of efforts to promote digital literacy and economic growth among women in Nigeria.

Speaking virtually during the commissioning, Senator Tinubu explained that the launch of the centre reflects another important step toward expanding digital literacy among women. She said that this is one of the major goals of the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which focuses on boosting economic activity and supporting national development through technology.

The First Lady revealed that fifteen Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres have already been equipped and commissioned across the country, with more expected to follow. According to her, “I am delighted to commission ten digital centres across ten states in the country, including Ondo State. The ones earlier commissioned were named after notable women who have contributed positively to women’s development. We hope that these training centres will help women fit into today’s digital world and contribute meaningfully to boosting economic activity and national development.”

In her remarks, the Wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, thanked Senator Tinubu for her continued efforts toward women’s empowerment, especially in Ondo State. She described the commissioning as a reflection of their shared belief that digital transformation goes beyond technology, as it empowers citizens and builds a strong foundation for a prosperous future for Ondo State and Nigeria.

Mrs Aiyedatiwa said, “These digital centres are more than just buildings; they are gateways to opportunities, equipping our youth, entrepreneurs, and citizens with the essential skills to thrive in the 21st-century economy. The Renewed Hope Initiative understands that a strong economy is built from the grassroots. By providing access to digital tools and training, we are creating a generation of digitally literate individuals ready to innovate, create, and lead in the digital space.”

She further expressed gratitude to NITDA for their partnership in making the project possible, noting that collaboration between public and private sectors is key to advancing technology in Nigeria. “I thank Senator Tinubu for her unwavering commitment to the people of the state and her foresight in championing this vital initiative. We also express our profound gratitude to NITDA for their expertise and partnership in bringing this to fruition,” she said.

Mrs Aiyedatiwa encouraged residents of the state to embrace the opportunity with determination and open minds, noting that the Digital Centre will unlock new potentials, promote economic development, and help secure a digitally empowered future.

The Director-General of the Ondo State Public Service Training Institute, Mr Olumide Asere, praised Senator Tinubu for her focus on youth and women empowerment. He also appreciated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for supporting technological advancement in the state.

Asere said the PSTI was selected for the project because of its commitment to technology and training. He added that the institute has trained over 150 youths in various digital skills this year. “I want to thank Governor Aiyedatiwa for helping us to 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 for our youth is a skill that can impact their future positively,” he stated.