…First Lady links projects to Renewed Hope Agenda, lauds Alia’s urban renewal drive

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday commissioned 10 newly completed intra-city roads in Makurdi, Benue State, and inaugurated a Community ICT Training Centre in Vandeikya Local Government Area, describing both projects as tangible dividends of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The road projects, covering about 11.5 kilometres, were executed under the first phase of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Urban Renewal Programme aimed at improving infrastructure and boosting economic activities within the Benue capital.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Mrs Tinubu said the projects reflected the practical impact of governance through investments that directly improve the lives of citizens.

She expressed satisfaction with the pace of development in the state and commended Governor Alia for what she described as visionary leadership and commitment to delivering democratic dividends to the people.

According to her, the newly completed roads would stimulate economic growth, improve mobility, strengthen security, and enhance the overall quality of life of residents.

“These roads, with a combined length of 11.5 kilometres, are more than infrastructure projects; they are pathways to economic growth and social development. They will improve mobility, enhance security, and contribute to a better quality of life for the people of Makurdi and beyond,” she said.

The First Lady urged residents to support the state government and take ownership of public infrastructure by ensuring its proper use and maintenance.

In his remarks, Governor Alia said the roads would significantly reduce travel time, improve accessibility, and strengthen connectivity among communities within Makurdi metropolis.

Shortly after, the First Lady proceeded to Ihugh in Vandeikya Local Government Area, where she commissioned and formally handed over a newly constructed Community ICT Training Centre established through a partnership between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

Addressing a large gathering of residents, Mrs Tinubu said the centre was designed to promote digital inclusion, accelerate economic diversification, and equip citizens with skills required to participate effectively in the digital economy.

She noted that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) remains a powerful tool for empowering women and young people by expanding access to education, entrepreneurship, and global opportunities.

“ICT knowledge is a vital tool for empowering communities, especially women and girls. It helps break traditional barriers, opens up new opportunities, enhances educational prospects, and enables greater participation in the global economy,” she said.

The First Lady called on members of the host community to take ownership of the facility and maximise its benefits.

“The success of this centre depends on your active participation and effective utilisation of the resources available,” she added.

The facility was named the Lucy Zaiyol Alluor Community ICT Centre in honour of a renowned educationist and former school principal in Benue State.

The Benue centre is the fourth to be commissioned under the NITDA-RHI collaboration, following similar facilities in Bauchi, Kwara and Oyo states.

As part of her visit, Mrs Tinubu also provided financial support to 1,000 women petty traders in the state, with each beneficiary receiving N50,000 to strengthen their businesses and improve household incomes.

The intervention, according to organisers, is part of ongoing efforts by the Renewed Hope Initiative to promote women’s economic empowerment and grassroots development across the country.