●Commends First Lady Tinubu for Donating ICT Centre in Ibadan
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to move beyond reliance on crude oil to achieve lasting prosperity. He called for greater investment in education, entrepreneurship, and technology to align the country with global development trends.
Makinde made the remarks on Tuesday during the commissioning and handover of an IT Community Centre donated by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to the Oladipo Alayande School of Science in Oke-Bola, Ibadan.
Expressing appreciation, the governor praised Senator Tinubu and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for the quality of the facility, stating that Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are crucial for Nigeria’s future.
“This ICT Centre is a valuable gift to Ibadan, and I thank the First Lady for making it possible,” he said. “We must understand that oil and natural resources alone cannot guarantee economic success. True prosperity comes from investing in people, fostering innovation, and preparing for the future.”
Governor Makinde warned that just as coal lost its value decades ago, oil might soon become obsolete. “We must evolve by empowering our citizens with relevant skills. That’s why this centre is so important, and I assure you we will fully utilize it.”
Also speaking at the event, Oyo First Lady, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde, thanked Senator Tinubu for naming the centre in honour of former Minister of Industry, Chief Mrs. Onikepo Akande, and for choosing Oyo State as a beneficiary of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
“This marks the completion of the first phase of the project. We are grateful for your commitment to improving lives through impactful initiatives,” she said.
In her address, Senator Tinubu said the initiative is focused on expanding digital access and empowering women and girls through ICT education. “This is the third ICT centre we’ve commissioned, with 10 more under construction nationwide. Our efforts are non-partisan and people-centred. ICT skills open doors for women and youth, allowing them to participate more actively in the economy.”
She urged the local community to take ownership of the centre and maximize its benefits.
Earlier, during a meeting with traditional rulers, Governor Makinde highlighted the role of monarchs in the state’s governance structure and encouraged the First Lady to consider their input on security matters.
The occasion also featured the distribution of food items to vulnerable groups in Oyo State under the RHI Food Outreach Scheme.
Dignitaries at the event included 11 wives of state governors, former Oyo First Lady Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja, Deputy Governor Barrister Bayo Lawal and his wife Ajibola, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani, members of the state executive council, and prominent traditional rulers such as the Alaafin of Oyo, Ooni of Ife, and representatives of the Olubadan and Soun of Ogbomoso.
