Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Friday, inaugurated an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre at Onicha-Olona in Aniocha North Local Government Area, describing it as a milestone in bridging the digital divide and preparing youths for opportunities in the 21st century.
Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, commended the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) for constructing the facility as part of its corporate social responsibility.
He noted that the state government, through the Ministry of Science and Technology, had equipped the centre with modern ICT tools, furniture, and accessories to make it a fully functional hub for digital learning.
“Today’s event is remarkable, as it brings a modern communication and learning hub right to the heart of our community. With the establishment of this ICT and CBT centre in Onicha-Olona, our young people no longer need to look far for such facilities.
“More than just infrastructure, this state-of-the-art centre represents a bold step in our commitment to bridge the digital divide, empower our people, and prepare Deltans with the skills and opportunities to excel in the 21st century,” the Governor said.
He expressed gratitude to Mrs Diana Okonta, former NDIC Board Member, for her strong advocacy in ensuring the project’s take-off, and acknowledged former Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for approving the first phase of the project.
Oborevwori assured that under his administration’s MORE Agenda, Delta youths would continue to have access to platforms that promote digital literacy, job creation, and self-reliance.
He encouraged the people of Onicha-Olona and the wider Delta community to take full advantage of the opportunities the centre provides.
In his remarks, Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Emeka Nwaobi, described the centre as a gateway to effective education, innovation, and economic growth for Onicha-Olona and Delta State at large. He commended the state government the completion of the project.
The Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Daniel Odigie, described the facility as a centre for learning and innovation in coding, app development, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and basic computer literacy.
He said the centre was designed to nurture talent, spark creativity, and unlock boundless potential.
In his welcome address, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, expressed gratitude to the Governor for choosing Aniocha North to host the ICT/CBT Center. He described the project as a game-changer for the State, providing access to modern information and communication technologies, digital literacy, and computer-based skills essential for success in the 21st century.
The Executive Chairman assured the Governor that the people of Aniocha North are committed to protecting and utilizing the facility to its full potential. He also thanked the Governor for numerous developmental projects in Aniocha North, including the nearly completed Issele-Asagba-Otulu Road, the almost completed 3 kilometers of internal and township roads in Onicha-Ugbo, and the ongoing High Court building in Issele-Uku.
Hon. Chinye also appreciated the Governor for the provision of a brand new coastal bus for the College of Nursing Sciences, Onicha-Uku, and the various empowerment and human capital development programs that have benefited the people of Aniocha North uncommonly.
The Executive Chairman assured the Governor of the people’s continued unalloyed loyalty and support to his administration’s MORE GENDA With RENEWED HOPE
Also speaking, the President-General of the Onicha-Olona Development Union, Sir Patrick Ejido, said the centre, equipped with 300 workstations, solar power supply, and modern facilities, was a beacon of innovation and empowerment for the community.
He thanked the NDIC, community leaders, and other stakeholders who played a role in making the project a reality, while assuring that the host community would protect and sustain the centre.
The event attracted government officials, traditional leaders, community representatives, and youths.
