The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has called on the spouses of federal lawmakers to embrace digital technology as a vital tool for supporting their partners and driving community development.
Speaker Abbas was speaking at the opening of a two-day capacity-building workshop organised by the House of Representatives Spouses Association (HORSA) in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA),
Abbas represented by the Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu, emphasised that the digital age demands a new level of competence from those in the corridors of power.
The speaker characterised the spouses as “unpaid advisors” who serve as essential sounding boards for lawmakers.
Bridging Digital Gap
He emphasised that the intensity of legislative duties often impacts domestic life, and bridging the digital gap can help spouses better navigate these challenges.
“The digital age demands a new level of competence from those in the corridors of power,” Abbas stated, noting that tech-savviness allows spouses to better understand and contribute to their partners’ legislative mandates
Abbas started by urging the participants to view digital literacy not just as a personal skill, but as a strategic asset for national development.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, described the spouses of public officials as essential pillars of national development, possessing a “soft power” that often achieves results beyond the reach of formal experts and aides.
Gbajabiamila emphasised that the role of a political spouse extends far beyond ceremonial duties, functioning instead as a strategic link between the government and the governed.
He lauded the leadership of Hajia Fatima Abbas Tajudeen, wife of the current Speaker, for her foresight in organising the training.
He noted that spouses occupy a unique space of “moral authority” and “community trust.”
“You are confidants, sounding boards, advisors, stabilizers, and even sometimes magicians.
“Sometimes you achieve even what a retinue of aides, experts, and lawyers cannot. You are indispensable bridges between institutions and citizens,” Gbajabiamila stated.
National Service
He urged the women to view digital literacy not just as a personal skill, but as a tool for national service.
“In an era where digital capability defines competitiveness, technology is the infrastructure upon which modern economic institutions are built. When digitally empowered leaders, especially our women, are equipped with these skills, they become accelerators of opportunity,” he added.
The Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Kashifu Abdullahi, emphasised that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, specifically prioritising number seven, which focuses on digitalisation and innovation.
“We have an ambitious target of achieving 95% digital literacy by 2030,” Abdullahi stated.
He highlighted the strategic importance of the lawmakers’ spouses, describing them as “strong women behind our leaders” who require digital fluency to support the legislative process and mentor others in their respective constituencies.
First of It’s Kind
The President of HORSA, Hajia Fatima Abbas, highlighted that the workshop is the first of its kind for the association.
She emphasised that digital literacy is no longer a luxury but a necessity for the modern spouse of a public official.
She warned that the visibility of public life is now amplified by technology, where a single post can have far-reaching consequences.
“We cannot afford to be passive users of technology. We must understand digital footprints, privacy controls, and responsible engagement. We must equip ourselves with the knowledge to protect our families and guide others wisely,” the HORSA President stated.
The event, themed “Empowering Women for Digital Futures, Leadership, Well-being, and Opportunities,” aims to equip the spouses of federal lawmakers with essential ICT skills, ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) to cybersecurity and digital entrepreneurship.
By the end of the two-day session, participants are expected to emerge with practical insights into the digital economy and enhanced tools for managing the pressures of public life.