The Lola Cater for the Needy Foundation, a Nigerian non-governmental organization, has been lauded by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for its work in empowering 500 girls with essential technology skills.
At the “WeTechHer” graduation ceremony and book launch in Abuja, Mrs. Iklima Musa, Special Assistant to the Director-General of NITDA, commended the foundation’s initiative, emphasizing the importance of inclusion in the rapidly growing technology sector.
The event, organized in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Committee of States’ Commissioners of Education in Nigeria, also saw the launch of “Tech Queens: The Code to the Future,” a book showcasing the achievements of girls who have excelled in the program.
Musa stressed the need for girls and women to be creators of sustainable technological solutions, not just users. She highlighted NITDA’s commitment to promoting digital literacy through initiatives like the “Digital Literacy for All” program, which aims to achieve 70% digital literacy in Nigeria by 2030.
She encouraged the graduating girls to innovate, build, and address key national challenges using emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity. Musa also cited examples of women who have developed solutions to detect early breast cancer and promote financial inclusion.
Hon. Kehinde Charity Awujoola, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Youths on Gender Matters, emphasized that equipping young girls with skills in emerging technologies is crucial for “nation-building.” She praised the Lola Cater Foundation for its commitment to empowering girls and women and assured the graduates of the ministry’s support.
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Dr. Kolawole Olobashola, Director of the FCT Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), highlighted the importance of ICT skills in today’s digital world and emphasized the need to empower Nigerian girls to lead the digital revolution, despite the barriers they face.
Dr. Leo Ebenezer, Head of Education at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, affirmed the commitment of all state commissioners of education to empower every girl child in technology.
Ololade Ogunnubi, Founder of the Lola Cater for the Needy Foundation, expressed her pride in the graduates and highlighted the program’s goal of equipping young girls with the skills, confidence, and community to thrive in the digital world. The program drew nearly 1,500 applications and provided training in web development, animation, artificial intelligence, robotics, data analysis, and digital marketing.
The “Tech Queens: The Code to the Future” book launch served as a testament to the potential of girls in tech and a call for continued investment in their future.
This initiative highlights the growing recognition of the importance of empowering girls and women with technology skills to promote economic development and gender equality in Nigeria.
