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.
Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Chinye Bazim, lauded Governor Oborevwori for situating the project in the area, noting that it would serve as a game-changer in empowering youths and promoting education.
He also highlighted other state government’s projects in the locality, including the nearly completed Issele-Uku–Otulu Road, Onicha-Ugbo township roads, and the College of Nursing Science at Onicha-Uku.
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.
