In a historic and forward-looking event, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, officially commissioned a modern Information Technology (IT) Centre named in honour of a distinguished Nigerian icon, Mrs. Onikepo Akande. The facility, situated in a strategic location within the state, is designed to serve as a springboard for digital empowerment, particularly targeting women and young people—two demographic groups that have long been underserved in Nigeria’s rapidly advancing tech ecosystem.
The well-attended ceremony brought together prominent government officials, traditional leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, tech stakeholders, youth groups, and women-led organisations who all gathered to witness the unveiling of what is expected to become a landmark centre for skills acquisition and digital transformation.
In her keynote address, the First Lady underscored the importance of digital literacy and innovation in the 21st-century economy. She noted that the establishment of the IT Centre aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which prioritises inclusive development, industrialisation, innovation, and job creation.
“This Centre is not just a facility with computers and desks; it is a vision brought to life. It is a symbol of hope and a bold statement that we are preparing our citizens—especially women and youth—for the future. The world is changing rapidly, and we must equip our people with the skills and tools to thrive in the digital age,” Senator Tinubu remarked.
Named after Mrs. Onikepo Akande, a renowned economist, industrialist, and former Minister of Industry, the IT Centre pays tribute to her decades of service and contributions to Nigeria’s economic and human capital development. Senator Tinubu described Mrs. Akande as a role model whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
“This is a fitting tribute to a woman who has broken barriers and dedicated her life to national growth. Let this centre serve as a beacon of knowledge and a reminder that with education and empowerment, anything is possible,” she said.
The First Lady also used the opportunity to unveil plans by the Federal Government to establish an additional ten (10) IT centres across various states in the coming months. These centres will replicate the model launched today and will further deepen the government’s commitment to digital innovation, gender inclusion, and skills development.
According to her, the expansion of these centres is part of a broader national strategy to diversify Nigeria’s economy beyond oil, focusing instead on technology, the creative sector, manufacturing, digital entrepreneurship, and innovation. These areas, she said, hold immense potential to create millions of sustainable jobs and stimulate inclusive economic growth.
She further stressed the importance of ensuring that Nigeria does not remain a consumer of global technologies, but instead becomes a creator of tech solutions, software, and intellectual property that can compete globally. “With initiatives like this, we are taking deliberate steps to position Nigeria not just as a player, but as a leader in Africa’s digital future,” she affirmed.
The newly launched IT Centre will offer structured training programmes in computer literacy, coding, digital marketing, artificial intelligence, data analysis, and other relevant tech skills. Special attention will be given to empowering women and girls, with mentorship and internship opportunities to connect them to the wider digital economy.
Mrs. Onikepo Akande, visibly moved by the honour, expressed deep gratitude and described the initiative as a legacy project that resonates with her lifelong advocacy for women’s economic empowerment and youth development.
“I am humbled by this honour. This centre represents everything I have worked for—giving people, especially women and young people, the opportunity to change their lives through knowledge and empowerment,” she said.
The event concluded with a tour of the facility and a symbolic demonstration session by a group of young trainees already enrolled in pilot training sessions. Guests lauded the centre as a step in the right direction towards reducing unemployment and bridging the digital divide across the country.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of the global digital economy, initiatives such as this IT Centre serve as a testament to the transformative power of vision, leadership, and commitment to national development. The First Lady’s announcement of 10 more centres across Nigeria signals a strategic move to mainstream technology into the heart of national progress, empowering citizens and creating a future where every Nigerian has the opportunity to succeed.
