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By Bolaji Okunola
A non-governmental organisation founded by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan-Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Hopes Alive Initiative for Africa (HAI Africa), in collaboration with the French Embassy Fund (FEF), will tomorrow, October 31, award certificate of technology to 60 girl child at the ACEDHARS Building, University of Lagos.
This was made known by Ooni’s wife, Queen Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, who also doubles as the deputy convener of the 16-week hands-on digital training for young girls from vulnerable communities in Lagos State.
Speaking ahead of the graduation ceremony, Temitope and panelists from the Nigerian technology industry, discussed a series of interesting thematic topics to further expose the beneficiaries to the world of digital economy.
She urged women, including girl-children to increase their self esteem by going the extra mile to gain knowledge and exposure in all endeavours.
“No fewer than 60 young girls have been trained and empowered to acquire practical tech skills, explore digital entrepreneurship and prepare for the opportunities in the global digital economy. Come Friday, we’ll be here to award certificates to all participants who found it worthy to embrace this opportunity.
“I must give kudos to our partners, the French Embassy, Edunity.ng and others for championing women’s inclusion in technology.
“It’s obvious, in today’s fast-changing digital world, women are not just participants but leaders, innovators and creators, shaping industries across the world.
“A girl child is an extra creature and she deserves extra activities to bring out the best in her. Most women didn’t believe in themselves and this has really damaged their esteem but I want to believe that with this initiative, the hidden uniqueness will be discovered,” she assured.
Head of Programme, Mr. Akapo Olusegun, noted that all hands were on deck to ensure more digital queens were raised from the initiative, while stressing that other great plans were also in the offing to extend the project beyond underserved communities in Lagos.
“I’m impressed with the zeal shown by the girls. It’s obvious they want to learn in order to bring out the best in them and I’m glad we also gave them the world class training they deserve. Panelists are also present here to enlighten them more about the benefits of the programme.
“We’ve achieved our aim by trying to bridge the gender gap in the digital world. We observed that 34 percent of girls are the only ones exposed to tech, which I believe is not encouraging. Gender equality is also part of our watchword and I believe that with more projects in the offing, we shall achieve this,” Olusegun opined.
A key highlight of the programme is the Job Fair, which organisers planned to use to link participants with top companies, recruiters and startups eager to hire and collaborate with talented women in tech.
Through panel discussions and interactive sessions, attendees gained hands-on experience and insights in fields, such as cybersecurity, Fintech, data analytics and digital marketing.
