The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned 10 newly completed intra-city road projects in Makurdi, Benue State.
The projects, spanning approximately 11.5 kilometres, were part of the broader Phase I Urban Renewal Programme implemented by the State governor, Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia.
According to a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said the projects clearly demonstrated the practical implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu through investments that directly impact the lives and livelihoods of citizens.
She expressed gladness for the improvements and level of development in the state.
The completion of the infrastructure, according to the First Lady, formed part of the progress and commitment of the current administration.
She also commended Governor Alia for his visionary leadership and commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Benue State.
”These roads, with a combined length of 11.5 kilometers, including the Shire Bakut Road dual carriage way; Abu Ken Shulua Road; Mama; Batteren; Alia Street; Dabo, Plaza, Fashion, Hub Road, Sir James, Uppo, Street, Tega, Bar, Street, Giotto, Aca, Road, and the connecting Spa, Road, are pathways to economic growth.
”These roads would improve mobility, enhance security, and provide a better quality of life for the people of Makurdi and beyond.
”As we commission these roads today, I encourage the good people of Benue to continue supporting the efforts of the governor and to take ownership of these public assets by ensuring their proper use,” she said.
In his welcome remarks, the governor, Rev. Father Alia, said the roads will enhance accessibility, reduce travel time, and improve connectivity between communities within the city of Makurdi.
Thereafter, the First Lady proceeded to Ihugh, Vandekiya local government area of the State to officially commission and hand over a newly constructed Community ICT Training Centre facilitated by the National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA) in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)
At the event, where a mammoth crowd of excited indigenes greeted her, she explained that the centre was aimed at accelerating economic diversification through industrialisation and digitalisation.
“The knowledge of ICT serves as a significant tool for empowering communities, especially women, enabling them to break the traditional barriers and access new opportunities.
“By equipping themselves with ICT skills, women and girls can enhance their educational prospects, participate in the global economy and support their families.
“I urge members of this community to take full ownership of this centre. The success of the centre depends on your active participation and utilisation of the resources available,” Mrs Tinubu stated.
The centre was named Lucy Zaiyol Alluor Community ICT Centre after an illustrious educationist and former school principal in the state.
This is the 4th such centre to be commissioned under the collaboration, namely: Zainab Bulkachuwa Community ICT Centre in Bauchi, Amina Ndalolo Community ICT Centre in Kwara, and Onikepo Akande Community ICT Centre in Ibadan.
The First Lady seized the opportunity to support 1,000 women petty traders with N50,000.00 each.