First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has advised that having ICT skills in a technology driven world is key to attaining success in all spheres of life.
She spoke at the closing ceremony of the Women ICT Training and Empowerment Programme, a collaboration between the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI and National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA.
The First Lady said the training is a significant step towards bridging the digital gender gap in Nigeria.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu also highlighted the transformative power of digital literacy.
“These skills are indispensable tools for driving growth and innovation.In a world driven by technology, these skills empower women to take control of their lives, contribute to their communities, and seize opportunities,” she said.
While celebrating the 252 women from various states who underwent intensive digital training, the First Lady commended them for their resilience and determination.
“You have exhibited a hunger for knowledge that will undoubtedly set you on a path of success,” Senator Tinubu noted.
The First Lady also appreciated NITDA for the initiative.
“I thank the Director General of NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, for his passion and steadfast commitment to bridging Nigeria’s digital divide. This collaboration aims to leverage technology to advance gender equity and national development.”
Director General of NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, in his remarks underscored the critical role of digital literacy in Nigeria’s economic growth.
He highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to economic diversification.
“If we bridge the gender gap, we will empower women and can increase our GDP by 20%,” he said.
Abdullahi stated that NITDA aims for 95% digital literacy by 2030 through its “Digital Literacy for All” initiative, which targets training for 30 million Nigerians, particularly women.
He explained further that the initiative is executed in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), emphasizing.
“These young graduates will serve as digital literacy champions in their communities,” he said.
He announced that a curriculum for digital literacy and skills has been developed in partnership with the Minister of Education.
“By next year, we will embed digital skills and literacy as part of our formal education”.
He added that each year, NITDA aims to produce 80 champions from each of the six NYSC streams, totaling 17,760 champions annually.
“We want each champion to train at least 60 Nigerians in a month, potentially reaching over 11 million people every year.
“If you empower a man, you empower an individual; if you empower a woman, you empower a society.
“Mommy (First Lady) doesn’t want you women and girls to be left behind.”
He expressed gratitude for the partnership with RHI that support this goal.
Participants in the programme were trained in essential skills such as software operations, data management, and digital content creation.
