In a passionate call for action, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Remi Tinubu, has urged for enhanced collaboration in advancing women’s empowerment in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Women ICT Training Empowerment Programme, organised by National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with Renewed Hope Initiative, which took place at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Senator Tinubu emphasised the need for multi-sectoral partnerships to create a more inclusive and thriving digital future for Nigerian women.
Senator Tinubu acknowledged the transformative power of technology and its impact in bridging gaps in various sectors, particularly technology, stressing that as Nigeria continues to embrace digital transformation, it is crucial to ensure that women are not left behind.
She further praised the ongoing collaboration between NITDA and the Renewed Hope Initiative as a model for success, showcasing how collective efforts can drive meaningful change, empower women through digital skills and utilising technology for job creation and prosperity.
The eloquence of the First Lady’s speech was met with enthusiastic applause from the diverse gathering of attendees, all of whom were deeply moved by her unwavering dedication to driving forward the cause of gender equality through the transformative power of technology.
In a significant gesture of support, the First Lady presented laptops and dummy cheques to the beneficiaries of the training programme. This symbolic act underscored her dedication to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that women have the necessary tools to participate actively in the digital economy.
In his special remark, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Nigeria, Dr. Bosun Tijani, assured the government’s commitment to supporting women, fostering innovation and utilising digital tools for economic growth.
He cited the critical role Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector occupies in the multifaceted landscape of job creation and economic prosperity, spotlighted the immense potential that lay before the trained women who had embarked on this transformative journey of skill acquisition.
Dr. Tijani meticulously elucidated the dynamic interplay between the ICT sector and the burgeoning job market, emphasising how this symbiotic relationship has the power to propel Nigeria’s economy to new heights.
He added that in an era of rapid technological advancement, the demand for digitally literate individuals is soaring exponentially across industries. This, he expounded, is where the trained women find themselves standing at the crossroads of opportunity, armed with the arsenal of skills cultivated through their intensive training.
He urged the trained women to leverage their newfound skills to contribute to the nation’s development while assuring them of the government’s support in their endeavors.
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director General of NITDA, shared insights into the agency’s efforts to promote digital literacy and innovation across Nigeria. He highlighted the success of the Women ICT Training Empowerment Programme and expressed his optimism about the impact these empowered women would have on the technology landscape.
Speaking on NITDA’s commitment to promoting digital literacy, Inuwa highlighted the agency’s ongoing efforts to provide accessible and comprehensive training programmes that cater to women across diverse backgrounds. He outlined initiatives aimed at nurturing a generation of tech-savvy women who can confidently navigate the digital landscape and carve out their niches in various industries.
As technological advancements continue to redefine the paradigms of modern society, the NITDA Boss called on the beneficiaries to embrace a lifelong journey of learning within the context of the rapidly evolving digital sphere.
The collaboration between NITDA and the Renewed Hope Initiative was commended by all participants, as it demonstrated the power of partnerships in driving meaningful change. The training programme, which covered a range of digital skills, was designed to equip women with the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in a technology-driven society.
