Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, came alive on Tuesday as Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commenced a three-day visit to the state, inaugurating key projects of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The visit began with the commissioning of an ICT Community Centre at the Kwara State University of Education, a collaborative effort between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
The First Lady also unveiled two flagship projects of the AbdulRazaq administration: an ultra-modern Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the Dr Amuda Aluko Ward. Over the next two days, Senator Tinubu is scheduled to oversee other groundbreaking ceremonies and unveil additional projects, including the Emir Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari Flyover, the General Tunde Idiagbon Flyover, and the Oluremi Tinubu Hospital. Visits to the Innovation Hub, Visual Arts Centre, and Garment Factory—celebrated as some of the best in the country—are also part of her itinerary.
Addressing dignitaries at the inauguration of the ICT Community Centre, Senator Tinubu commended Governor AbdulRazaq and his wife, Olufolake AbdulRazaq, for their dedication to empowering youth and women through digital innovation.
“These centres have significantly benefited our youth, particularly women and girls, by providing invaluable opportunities for growth and empowerment,” the First Lady noted. “ICT is a powerful tool for breaking traditional barriers and opening up new opportunities, especially for women.”
She added that the ICT centre in Kwara is the second of its kind, with similar centres in Benue and Oyo states nearing completion. Ten additional centres across the country are also in progress.
Governor AbdulRazaq praised the initiative, calling it a vital investment in the state’s digital future. “Technology is the backbone of progress in today’s world. This ICT centre is not just infrastructure; it is a platform to equip our people with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital era,” he said.
Accompanied by Vice President’s wife, Nana Shettima, and other dignitaries, Senator Tinubu also paid homage to the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, who lauded the Governor as a “fine achiever” and praised the First Lady’s contributions to national development. The First Lady, in turn, expressed gratitude for the Emir’s support for her husband’s administration and the Kwara State Government.
Another highlight of the day was the distribution of food support to vulnerable groups under the Renewed Hope Initiative and ASR Initiative, an act applauded by Governor AbdulRazaq as a crucial intervention.
The state government capped the day’s activities with a dinner in honour of the First Lady at the resuscitated Flower Garden, now a vibrant recreational facility.
