First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has announced a N100 million grant for 2,000 petty traders in Benue State as start-up capital for their businesses. She also unveiled an ICT centre built by the Renewed Hope Initiative in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency.
ICT Centres Across Nigeria
Mrs Tinubu noted that Benue now has four ICT centres, while 15 others have been established across the federation, including in Abia, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Jigawa and the Federal Capital Territory. These centres are equipped with computers and other ICT facilities to bridge the digital gap across the country.
Deputy Governor Clarifies Wife's Role
Meanwhile, Deputy Governor Sam Ode has dismissed ongoing discussions over the Office of the First Lady, clarifying that his wife, Mrs Christie Sam-Ode, is not the state's first lady. In a statement, the Deputy Chief Press Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr Ior Ikyereve, noted that Mrs Sam-Ode's position remains 'wife of the deputy governor by virtue of her husband's constitutional office.'
The statement described as misleading various narratives on social media suggesting that she was laying claim to the office of the first lady. It emphasised that the position is traditionally occupied by the wife of the governor, and that Mrs Sam-Ode has not attempted to assume or claim that role.
The Deputy Governor's Office further dismissed suggestions of internal disagreements within government circles, emphasising that the deputy governor and his family maintain a cordial working relationship with Governor Hyacinth Alia and other stakeholders in the administration.
