The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has emphasized the importance of ICT skills in a technology-driven world, noting that such skills are essential for achieving success in all areas of life.
She made this statement at the closing ceremony of the Women ICT Training and Empowerment Programme, a collaborative effort between the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
The First Lady highlighted that this training marks a significant step toward bridging the digital gender gap in Nigeria.
She underscored the transformative power of digital literacy, saying, “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.”
While celebrating the 252 women from various states who completed the intensive digital training, the First Lady commended their resilience and determination. “You have exhibited a hunger for knowledge that will undoubtedly set you on a path to success.”
Senator Oluremi Tinubu also expressed her gratitude to NITDA for its role in the initiative, saying, “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.”
NITDA Director-General Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, in his remarks, highlighted the critical role of digital literacy in Nigeria’s economic growth and reaffirmed 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 stated.
He explained that NITDA’s goal is to achieve 95% digital literacy by 2030 through its “Digital Literacy for All” initiative, which targets training 30 million Nigerians, particularly women.
Mallam Abdullahi added that the initiative is implemented in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). “These young graduates will serve as digital literacy champions in their communities,” he said.
He announced that a digital literacy and skills curriculum 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.” Additionally, NITDA plans to produce 80 champions from each of the six NYSC streams annually, totaling 17,760 champions per year.
“We want each champion to train at least 60 Nigerians monthly, potentially reaching over 11 million people every year,” said Mallam Abdullahi.
Mallam Abdullahi concluded, “If you empower a man, you empower an individual; if you empower a woman, you empower a society. Mommy (the First Lady) doesn’t want you women and girls to be left behind.” He also expressed appreciation for RHI’s partnership in supporting this goal.
Participants in the program received training in essential skills, including software operations, data management, and digital content creation.
