By Kinyiose Nwabuokei
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) held a closing ceremony in Abuja to celebrate the completion of the Women’s ICT Empowerment Programme. The event marked a significant milestone in advancing digital literacy and economic inclusion for women across Nigeria.
The Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON expressed her pride in the Programme’s progress and reach, saying that “I am delighted to join you all today at the closing ceremony of the Women ICT Training Empowerment Programme. This collaboration has grown, now reaching 40 women from each geopolitical zone, with a total of 252 women trained in essential digital skills. These participants are now ready to transform their communities as digital literacy champions.”
She commended the NITDA’s management and its Director General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE on bridging Nigeria’s digital divide and ensuring women’s active participation in the digital era.
Tinubu noted, “This partnership under the Economic Empowerment scope of the Renewed Hope Initiative aims to leverage technology to advance gender equity and drive national development,” adding that the Program aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a tech-enabled Nigeria.
According to her Nigeria is taking a significant leap forward in empowering its women and girls to succeed in the digital landscape. She added, “This milestone is a crucial step toward creating a path for Nigerian women and girls to actively participate and flourish in the digital world and this is an affirmation of the current administration to providing equal access to opportunities nationwide.
While emphasising the administration’s commitment to fostering a technology-enabled, equitable future for all Nigerians, Senator Tinubu urged the women to make maximum use of the training. She said, “I encourage each of you to use the skills, training, and resources you have gained here to advance your careers and businesses, and to inspire those around you. The journey may not be straightforward, but with time, action, and support, you can achieve remarkable things”.
In his remarks, Inuwa, the NITDA’s Director General highlighted the impact of digital skills training in Nigeria’s broader socio-economic landscape.
He said, “Today marks a remarkable milestone in our journey to make Nigeria a digitally empowered nation. Empowering women and narrowing the gender gap could potentially increase Nigeria’s GDP by 20 percent, this is an estimated addition of $100 billion to our economy.”
Inuwa noted that NITDA’s ambitious digital literacy target is aimed at achieving 95 percent digital literacy by 2030. He said incorporating digital skills into the education system and expanding partnerships with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to reach communities across Nigeria are some of the initiatives the Agency is adopting to achieve the target.
“Our target is to train 33 million Nigerians over the next three years, creating a future where women, young people, and every Nigerian can thrive in the digital economy,” he explained.
“Whether you are creating software, engaging in graphic design, or managing a business, these skills will help you tap into the digital economy. This initiative is not just about skills; it is about creating access, opportunity, and inclusion,” Inuwa stated.
He further highlighted the significance of women’s empowerment in achieving societal transformation. “As the saying goes, ‘If you empower a man, you empower an individual but if you empower a woman, you empower a society. “Each of you is now equipped to not only pursue your own growth but also to lift others within your communities. This is what we mean by becoming digital literacy champions,” he remarked.
“When you go back, mentor others and carry everyone along. “The skills you have gained will not only open up career and business opportunities but also inspire others within your communities,” he advised.
Inuwa recalled that the programme is in line with the President’s dream of creating a future where every Nigerian has access to learn, grow, and thrive; “and where every woman, every girl, and every young person can have an opportunity to create and share the Nigeria of our dream.” 
