By Justina Auta
The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has urged the women to participate in digital revolution to develop their socio-economic and political status.
Tinubu, represented by Salamatu Gbajabiamila, made the call at a handover ceremony of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) digital economy centre.
She said technology played a vital role in advancing gender equity; as such women should leverage on it to promote and sustain their status.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme, Maryam Babagida Women Centre, Abuja.
“Through access to technology, we can contribute meaningfully to economic growth, innovation, and social progress towards our nation’s greater prosperity,” she said.
According to her, 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 centres in other parts of the country this year,” she said.
She added that technology had become a positive tool for shaping everything from communication and commerce, to education and healthcare world-wide.
“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,” Tinubu said.
Speaking, the Director- General of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Abdullahi, said the equipment donated would serve not only to the centre but to other stakeholders and also generate income to the centre.
Kashifu, who was 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.
He said the inauguration was also to mark the International Women’s Day with state-of-the-art equipment that could be sustained by each of the centres.
The Director-General, Maryam Babangida, Women Centre, Dr Asabe Vilita-Bashir, in her remarks said there was the need for training and economic empowerment of women in accordance with the center’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.
Bashir further said the establishment of the centre would boost women 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. (NAN)