The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reiterated its commitment to supporting initiatives that empower the digital literacy skills of the Nigerian girl-child.
The Director General (DG) of the agency, Kashifu Abdullah, said the commitment is to ensure Nigeria raises future leaders who are not just users of technology but creators of sustainable digital solutions.
The Director General, who gave the assurance in Abuja over the weekend at the WeTechHer graduation ceremony and book launch by the Lola Cater for the Needy Foundation, emphasized that building technological capacity among young girls must be taken seriously by all stakeholders, including parents and the wider community.
The WeTechHer was organized by Lola Cater for the Needy Foundation, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Committee of States’ Commissioners of Education, following the empowerment of 500 girls aged between 8 years and 18 with digital literacy skills after an intensive course in digital solutions.
The graduates received training in various digital fields, including animation, robotics, data analysis, web development, AI, and digital marketing.
The graduation event also featured the unveiling of a book titled ‘Tech Queens: The Code to the Future’, a publication that highlights the stories of girls who have excelled in the foundation’s tech empowerment program.
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Represented by his Special Assistant (SA), Mrs. Iklima Musa, the DG commended the Lola Cater for the Needy Foundation for its dedication to building technology capacity among young girls.
He described the WeTechHer initiative as both timely and vital in a rapidly evolving digital age, emphasizing the importance of inclusive participation, particularly for girls, in the tech space.
“This initiative ensures we are nurturing future leaders who will not only use technology but also develop sustainable digital solutions,” he said.
Reaffirming NITDA’s commitment to bridging the digital divide, Abdullah highlighted the agency’s “Digital Literacy for All” program, which aims to achieve 70% digital literacy in Nigeria by 2030.
He cited inspiring examples of innovations led by women, such as tools for early cancer detection and promoting financial inclusion, underscoring the transformative impact of empowering girls in tech.
Abdullah expressed hope that platforms like WeTechHer would inspire and launch the next generation of technology leaders.
He congratulated the graduates and urged them to embrace emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cybersecurity to address national challenges.
Also speaking, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Gender Matters, Kehinde Charity Awujoola, highlighted digital education for girls as essential to nation-building.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, reinforced the significance of equipping young girls with digital skills as a catalyst for national development.
“In today’s world, where digital innovation drives progress, investing in the tech education of girls in areas like AI, robotics, web development, and renewable energy is not just progressive, it is foundational for nation-building,”
He commended the Foundation for aligning with the Ministry’s goal of empowering young Nigerians for the digital future.
Dr. Kolawole Olobashola, the Director of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), emphasized overcoming cultural and structural barriers to digital access for girls.
Similarly, Dr. Leo Ebenezer, Head of Education at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Chair of the Committee of States’ Commissioners of Education reaffirmed the commitment of State Education Commissioners to expand tech opportunities and integrate WeTechHer into national celebrations for the International Day of the Girl Child.
Founder of the Lola Cater for the Needy Foundation, Ololade Ogunnubi, in her remarks, while celebrating the achievements of the graduating cohort, described the program as a testament to what is possible when girls are equipped with the right tools and opportunities.
According to Ogunnubi, the program attracted nearly 1,500 applications within 48 hours, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds and states across Nigeria.
“Our goal was to provide not just skills, but also the confidence and community needed for these girls to thrive in a tech-driven world,” she said.
Expressing gratitude to facilitators, partners, and supporters, Ogunnubi credited the success of the program to collaborative efforts.
While appreciating the graduates, Ogunnubi encouraged parents to support their girl-child in pursuing their tech dreams by not passing up opportunities for empowerment innovations such as WeTechHer.
“You are more than just participants, you are pioneers. You’ve shown resilience, brilliance, and creativity. You are our Tech Queens, and the future is already brighter because of you,” she stressed.