The gala brought together more than 350 guests, including the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who delivered the keynote address, alongside Ministers, Governors, Ambassadors, and senior representatives from the private and development sectors.

With strong support from SHOM and the diplomatic community, the evening underscored a shared belief in the power of creativity in transforming education in a way that is inclusive, accessible, and rooted in local realities.

Funds raised will help Five Cowries expand its impact across Nigeria, building on its track record of reaching over 250,000 learners through initiatives such as Mu Shuka Iri, Zinariya, and the Aunties Programme.

In her address, the First Lady highlighted the alignment between Five Cowries’ community-driven model and Nigeria’s national development priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She said:

“By supporting the Five Cowries initiative, we are reiterating our commitment to promoting education and fostering inclusive development across our local communities, dignity, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and our shared commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Polly Alakija, Five Cowries CEO, expressed gratitude for the support shown by SHOM, the First Lady, and all event partners: 

“We are honoured by SHOM’s commitment and deeply grateful for Her Excellency’s recognition of our work. This evening is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when global and local actors come together to drive inclusive education, creativity, and restore agency to communities. With this support, we are better placed to deepen our impact and expand to more Local Government Areas across Nigeria.”

The SHOM Charity Gala 2025 served as a powerful platform for cross-cultural partnership and reaffirmed the role of arts-based education in delivering inclusive, community-driven solutions to improving learning outcomes in Nigeria.

The partners described the IT Centre as part of ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide and empower youth and women across the state.

The centre, which was donated to Oladipo Alayande School of Science in Oke-Bola, Ibadan, Oyo State, was named in honour of Mrs. Onikepo Akande, a distinguished daughter of Oyo State, and is aimed at providing digital skills training, particularly for women and young people. It is expected to offer participants a competitive edge in the evolving global tech industry.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu delivered special remarks at the event, emphasising the centre’s role in achieving one of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s key priority areas which is to accelerate economic diversification through digitisation, industrialisation, innovation, and the creative arts.

She disclosed that the commissioning of the centre is a step forward in the collective mission to empower Nigerians, especially women and youth, with the skills needed to thrive in a digital economy.

“We are not stopping here. I am pleased to announce that ten more IT Centres will soon be commissioned across various states,” she added.

While noting that other digital economy centres have been fully equipped with computers and ICT materials in 5 other states, she urged members of the community to take full ownership of the centre.

She said, “The success of this centre depends on your active participation and utilisation of available resources.”

The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, who delivered a goodwill message during the event, praised NITDA and RHI for bringing the initiative to the state.

He highlighted the high standards of the facility and pledged the state government’s support to ensure its sustainability and maximum impact on the people of Oyo State.

“Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, that is the road to the future, and I am glad that under the Renewed Hope Initiative, you’ve brought this to Oyo State, and I can give you the assurance that we will take full advantage of it,” he promised.

In his remark, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, stated that the centre will serve as an avenue for youths to acquire globally relevant digital skills, build startups and create solutions that can compete on the global stage.

While giving his welcome remarks earlier, Kashifu Inuwa, the director-general of NITDA, described the collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative as a strategic intervention to boost Nigeria’s digital talent pool.

He explained that the Ibadan IT Community Centre is equipped with cutting-edge technologies designed to provide a smart and personalised learning experience and lauded Senator Tinubu for her leadership and passion for empowering underrepresented groups.

“Your Excellency’s vision and commitment have been instrumental in actualising this initiative. You are giving Nigerians the tools to unlock their potential in the digital economy,” he said.

Noting that the newly commissioned centre is part of a broader national agenda to enhance digital literacy, reduce unemployment, and foster innovation-driven development across the country, Inuwa disclosed that the agency has worked with the Ministry of Education to develop digital literacy and skills curriculum that will be infused as part of the formal education in schools.

While encouraging the school administrators and community leaders to ensure its accessibility and sustainability, the NITDA DG said,

“The centre is open to all, and we want to see a cross-pollination between the school and the community.”

OAU conferred the honorary doctorate on him and four others: Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe, renowned academia and entrepreneur; Daere Afonya-Akobo, a leader in the oil and gas industry; and Dr Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi, group chairman of Mutual Benefits Plc., for their exceptional contributions to humanity during its 48th Convocation Ceremony.

The event which concluded on Saturday, December 14, 2024, led by Professor Simeon Bamire, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, on a three-day convocation ceremony saw 7,368 students graduate. The honorees were recognised for their significant contributions to society, leveraging their talent, resources, and material support to uplift communities and advance progress in various fields.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu was celebrated as an astute politician and advocate for the underprivileged, particularly women and children.

Dr. Ogunbiyi, whose conglomerate employs over 5,000 people, was lauded for his leadership in corporate Nigeria and his contributions to job creation.

Professor Adegbulugbe and Daere Afonya-Akobo were similarly recognised for their trailblazing achievements in academia and the oil and gas sector, respectively.

Karl Toriola, now leading MTN Nigeria has made groundbreaking contributions to Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, steering the company to new heights of innovation and service delivery.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Bamire lauded the honorees for their exemplary achievements and their dedication to uplifting society.

“These individuals represent the ideals of excellence, service, and leadership that Obafemi Awolowo University strives to instil in its graduates,” he said.

The convocation reaffirmed OAU’s tradition of celebrating excellence and recognising individuals who exemplify its values of innovation and societal impact.

The honorary awards spotlight the honorees’ exceptional contributions and serve as a source of inspiration for the next generation of leaders and changemakers.