Digital Skills Are No Longer Optional—Oluremi Tinubu Empowers 320 Women Across Nigeria

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has emphasized that digital knowledge is now a basic requirement for women who want to thrive in today’s economy. She made this clear during the closing ceremony of the Women ICT Training Programme, an initiative carried out through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

According to ThisDay, the First Lady explained that digital literacy is becoming the new definition of education in the 21st century, stressing that women who understand technology will stand a greater chance of building sustainable careers, earning income, and contributing to national development.

A Training Programme Designed for Impact

A total of 320 women drawn from the six geopolitical zones participated in this year’s edition of the training. Each state was represented by women selected through a transparent process, ensuring equal opportunity and wide coverage. The participants were trained in essential digital skills such as computer basics, online productivity tools, content creation, digital marketing, data literacy, and online safety.

The programme not only focused on technical knowledge but also introduced the women to opportunities in the global gig economy showing them how skills learned today could open doors to remote work, online entrepreneurship, and freelancing.

According to The Nation, NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, highlighted that digital competence is now the gateway to global competitiveness. He explained that with the right skills, a woman in any rural community can offer virtual assistance, writing services, or digital marketing support to clients across Nigeria or even internationally.

Tools for Success: Laptops and Start-Up Grants

To support their journey into the digital space, every participant received a brand-new laptop and a ₦200,000 support grant to start small tech-related businesses or build their online careers. The First Lady encouraged the women to begin with whatever skill level they have and remain consistent in their learning.

She emphasized that building a digital career requires patience and discipline but assured them that those who remain focused will eventually achieve strong results.

Expanding Access to Digital Education Nationwide

This training is part of a wider digital inclusion agenda driven by the First Lady. Recently, she commissioned new Digital Learning Centres across several states, providing free access to computers, internet connectivity, and practical ICT training. These centres are designed to serve students, women, and young adults who need digital exposure but lack the resources.

This move is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes digital transformation, job creation, and the inclusion of women and youths in the technology ecosystem.

A Call for Women to Lead in the Digital Economy

Mrs. Tinubu described women as natural leaders and urged the beneficiaries to extend their knowledge by teaching others in their communities. She emphasized that digital literacy is not only a career advantage but also a tool for nation-building.

She encouraged the women to embrace lifelong learning, reminding them that technology evolves constantly, and those who stay updated will always remain relevant.

READ MORE ON HOW Standard Chartered Empowers 5 Female Tech Founders with $10,000 Each in Its Women-in-Tech Incubator

Why This Matters for Nigeria

This initiative has long-term benefits for the country, including:

Reducing the digital gender gap

Increasing women’s participation in tech and online work

Boosting small businesses and digital entrepreneurship

Creating grassroots impact through community knowledge transfer

Supporting a more inclusive national digital strategy

This year’s programme shows that digital inclusion is fast becoming a cornerstone of Nigeria’s development plans and more women are stepping into the tech space with confidence and competence.