Tinubu First Lady Unveils Major Road Network and Digital Skills Centre in Benue as New Development Wave Unfolds

(Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu. Photo by Arise News)

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned 10 newly completed intra-city road projects in Makurdi, Benue State, alongside a Community ICT Training Centre in Vandeikya Local Government Area, as part of efforts geared toward boosting infrastructure development, digital inclusion, and economic empowerment.

The road projects, spanning roughly 11.5 kilometres, were executed under the first phase of the Benue State Government’s Urban Renewal Programme, led by Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Makurdi, the First Lady described the projects as a practical demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that such investments directly improve citizens’ lives.

She commended Governor Alia for what she termed visionary leadership and a strong commitment to delivering tangible democratic dividends to the people of the state.

According to her, the newly completed roads, including the Shire Bakut Road dual carriageway and several other connecting routes within Makurdi, would enhance mobility, strengthen security, and stimulate economic activity.

She described the roads as pathways to growth that would improve transportation, bolster security, and raise the quality of life for residents of Makurdi and beyond, while urging the community to support government efforts by taking ownership of the infrastructure and ensuring it is properly maintained.

Earlier in his remarks, Governor Alia said the projects would improve accessibility, cut down travel time, and strengthen connectivity between communities within Makurdi.

Following the road commissioning, the First Lady proceeded to Ihugh in Vandeikya Local Government Area, where she formally handed over a Community ICT Training Centre established through a partnership between the National Information Technology Development Agency and the Renewed Hope Initiative.

Addressing residents at the event, Tinubu explained that the facility was designed to accelerate economic diversification through industrialisation and digitalisation, while equipping women and young people with relevant digital skills.

She noted that ICT knowledge serves as a powerful tool for empowering communities, particularly women, helping them break traditional barriers and access fresh opportunities.

She urged residents to embrace ownership of the centre and make the most of its resources to expand educational and economic prospects within the community.

The facility has been named the Lucy Zaiyol Alluor Community ICT Centre, in honour of a respected educationist and former school principal in Benue State.

With this latest addition, the Benue facility becomes the fourth ICT centre established under the NITDA–RHI partnership, following similar projects previously commissioned in Bauchi, Kwara, and Oyo states.