First Lady Inaugurates Digital Library in Zamfara, Champions Girl-Child Education

From Muhammad Adam, Gusau

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday commissioned a multi-million Naira Digital E-Learning Centre in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

Speaking at the event, the First Lady emphasized that the project is part of a broader initiative to establish ten such centres across the nation. She stated that the initiative, under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), aims to enhance digital learning skills among students.

Senator Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of the Zamfara State Governor, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, underscored the centre's significance in empowering youth and bridging the digital divide.

“This project is not just about technology and computers; it is about empowering our youth, bridging the digital divide, and opening new doors of knowledge and innovation to the good people of Zamfara and beyond,” she said.

The First Lady also stressed the critical need to prioritize the education of the girl-child, noting that in today's world, access to modern learning tools is a necessity, not a luxury.

“Through this library, students, teachers, researchers, and the wider public will have access to a world of information, resources, and opportunities right at their fingertips,” she added.

In her remarks, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal praised Senator Tinubu's Renewed Hope Initiative as a visionary program dedicated to supporting education and social development.

“This digital library reflects that vision; it is a promise fulfilled,” she said.

She also commended the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, as well as NITDA, for the excellent execution of the project in Zamfara State. Furthermore, she lauded Governor Dauda Lawal for his administration's commitment to revitalizing the state's education sector.

Addressing the community, she urged, “To the good people of Zamfara, particularly our students and educators, I urge you to make the best and most judicious use of this facility.”

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Zamfara State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Hajiya Maryam Shantali, welcomed the development, describing the e-learning centre as a crucial asset for advancing digital literacy in the state.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, represented by Ismail Ahmad, stated that the centres are designed to provide opportunities for skills acquisition and business development.