The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has urged women to participate in the digital revolution to develop their socio-economic and political status.
She made the call at a handover ceremony of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) digital economy center.
The event was organized in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme, Maryam Babangida Women Centre, Abuja.
Represented by Salamatu Gbajabiamila, the First Lady said technology played a vital role in advancing gender equity; as such women should leverage it to promote and sustain their status.
“Through access to technology, we can contribute meaningfully to economic growth, innovation, and social progress towards our nation’s greater prosperity.”
“This will promote the presidential initiative on gender equity and assist women to be part of the digital revolution.
“The collaboration with NITDA, under its National Digital Gender Inclusion Strategy will also support to equip more centers in the remaining States of the Federation.
“In addition, NITDA will expand opportunities for digital literacy and empowerment by building and equipping three ICT learning centers in other parts of the country this year,” Sen. Oluremi Tinubu said.
According to her technology has become a positive tool for shaping everything from communication and commerce to education and healthcare worldwide.
“In the evolution of the digital economy, our women must not be left behind; continuous training and exposure to technology can open new opportunities for greater access to employment and thriving businesses,” she said.
In a message, the Director-General of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Abdullahi, said the equipment donated would serve not only the center but other stakeholders and also generate income for the center.
Represented by the Project Manager, Haruna Bashir, however, said similar projects were also being inaugurated in seven locations across the six geopolitical zones and Abuja.
Abdullahi said the inauguration was also to mark International Women’s Day with state-of-the-art equipment that could be sustained by each of the centers.
Dr Asabe Vilita-Bashir, Director-General, Maryam Babangida, Women Centre said there was a need for training and economic empowerment of women by the Centre’s mandate.
“Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can be leveraged for personal security, better access to education and jobs, financial inclusion, and access to basic healthcare information,’’ she said.
According to her, the establishment of the center would boost women’s capacity to reach underserved communities in the country.
“Women can also take advantage of the digital resources provided to actively learn, innovate, and participate in a digital economy,” she said.
