First Lady Seeks Collaborations For Women Empowerment In ICT

 

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu has advocated more Stakeholders collaborations for women’s empowerment in the field of Information and Communication Technology, ICT.

Mrs Tinubu emphasized the need for multi-sectoral partnerships to create a more inclusive and thriving digital future for Nigerian women.

She was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Women ICT Training Empowerment Programme, organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, in collaboration with Renewed Hope Initiative held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The President’s Wife 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.”

Mrs. Tinubu described the 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 utilise technology for job creation and prosperity.

She said; “Also, the importance of digital literacy and its role in fostering economic independence cannot be over-emphasized. In a world driven by technology, these skills empower women to take control of their lives, contribute to their communities, and seize opportunities.

“As we celebrate the successful conclusion of this programme, I extend my congratulations to all participants. You have exhibited resilience, determination, and a hunger for knowledge that will undoubtedly set you on a path of success.”

The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Nigeria, Dr. Bosun Tijani said that the government remained committed to supporting women, fostering innovation, and utilising digital tools for economic growth.

Dr Tijani stressed the importance of the tech sector in creating jobs and economic prosperity saying rapid technological advancement is making greater demand for digitally literate individuals across industries.

He said; “I want to extend my appreciation to the visionary of this initiative, our First Lady. Your unwavering commitment to empowerment and progress has charted the course for change for all the members of this cohort.

“This is a programme that we hope we can partner with you to scale significantly. I’m a big believer in the fact that we have to empower women because there is something that works well for me, women are empathetic and when you have women around you, it is about the good for people, not ego, This is why the role you are playing in the society is is important, Ma.”

“I must also acknowledge the DG of NITDA and his team for their roles in bringing this programme to fruition. Women’s empowerment is fundamental for the development and growth of every society. No individual was not raised by a woman,” the Minister said.

Dr Tijani said; “By empowering women, we unlock the unique creativity and innovation that can enrich every aspect of our lives. This is well documented that when we provide equal access to education resources and opportunities, it becomes the architect of positive change, changing the trajectory of economic progress, social harmony, and sustainable development.”

He said the programme was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for women’s inclusion and empowerment among others.

“This programme represents a critical step in this direction. It also aligned with two priority areas of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The first one is the investment in the digital economy to empower Nigerians with new skills and also sustain jobs. Secondly to driving women empowerment to champion equity and parity across every facet of our lives,” he stated.

The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa shared insights into the Agency’s efforts to promote digital literacy and innovation across Nigeria.

Inuwa highlighted the success of the Women’s 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, he also highlighted the Agency’s ongoing efforts to provide accessible and comprehensive training programmes for 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.

 

 

 

Mercy Chukwudiebere