Women have been tasked with optimising the inherent advantages of digital literacy, and technology to be more gainfully employed and boast of thriving businesses.
Wife of the president, Mrs Remi Tinubu gave this charge at the inauguration of the digital economy centre and e-learning facility at Ogbomoso Girls’ High School, Ogbomoso, on Tuesday.
Speaking, she noted that women could not afford to be left behind in today’s digitized world and hence must seek opportunities that guarantee them continuous training, access and exposure to technology.
Through access to technology, Tinubu emphasized that women could unlock the potential that enables them to contribute meaningfully to economic growth, innovation and social progress towards national prosperity.
She stressed that the quest for national development must take into cognisance the role of technology in advancing gender equality by ensuring our women’s free participation in the digital revolution.
Tinubu, represented by the wife of the Oyo governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, urged women to take advantage of the e-learning centres being set up across the country by the National Inform Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with her Renewed Hope Initiative.
Tinubu said: “Technology has become a positive tool in our world shaping everything from communication and commerce to education and healthcare.
“Therefore in the revolution of digital economy, our women must not be left behind. Continuous training, access and exposure to technology can open new opportunities providing greater access to employment and thriving businesses.
“Presently, we are witnessing remarkable progress from our girls and women in the digital space and it is truly inspiring.
“As we strive towards building a more inclusive and equitable society, I urge all beneficiaries to take full ownership and maximize the learning advantage offered by these centres.”
In their remarks, the trio of the Oyo commissioner for Education, Professor Soliu Adelabu; commissioner for Works and Transport, Professor Dahud Sangodoyin; Senior Special Assistant to the governor on ICT and e-governance, Mr Bayo Akande tasked students on embracing the demands of the digital age and being committed to using technology for development of the State.
They stressed that students should make legitimate and good use of technology to make money for themselves, noting that today and tomorrow hinged on digitisation.
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The education commissioner, in particular, said the state had mandated its schools to go largely digital in their operations as he added that the target was to ensure interconnectivity of Oyo schools via technology in the next two years.
Principal of Ogbomoso Girls High School, Mrs Odekunle Zainab noted that the e-learning centre, which contained 16 computers and other related devices, would positively add to the education of its students, as she demanded more government provision of infrastructure for the school and others in the state.
