The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has re-echoed its commitment as the nation’s apex IT regulatory body towards creating enabling policies for the development, use and adoption of Digital Technology in supporting and enhancing the living standard of women entrepreneurs across the country.
The DG of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa who was represented by the Deputy Director, Digital Economy Development Department of the Agency, Dr Amina Magaji, said this at the first edition of the ECOWAS’ Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA) Women and Youth Leadership Symposium, which held in Abuja.
The DG noted that, “NITDA supported the symposium with Technology Tools that will help enhance Entrepreneurship especially amongst Women and Youth in general”.
He further maintained that, the inability of a country to create digital presence in today’s dynamic digital world translates to having a nonexistent Nation.
“Technology is an enabler that many people around the world leverage on to create their digital presence. Without the right technological tools, we will not be able to advance as a country, economically and politically. In the light of this, NITDA is very interested and supportive of this symposium”.
Highlighting the Agency’s several opportunities that support Women and Youth Entrepreneurship, Inuwa said a subsidiary was specifically established and named Office of the Nigeria Digital Innovation (ONDI), primarily to foster the growth of Technology and Innovation in Nigeria.
The President of ECOFEPA, an umbrella body of all Female members of the ECOWAS Parliaments, Filimena Viera, maintained that in order to address the menace of Women and Youth marginalisation, effective policy framework mechanism has to be in place, so as to ensure equity and equal opportunities.
While observing that whereas, women and youths constitute the significant percentage of the world’s population, Viera noted that one of the major reasons for Africa’s backwardness is the fact that Women and Youths have not been given their rightful places in governance.
In her words: “Youths are the future, hence the need for the creation of relevant platforms where they can exchange ideas, experiences and amplify best practices. To address the menace of Women and Youth marginalisation, effective policy framework mechanism has to be in place, so as to ensure equity and to guarantee a sustainable society where basic human rights are recognized. Platforms that will inspire, mentor and avail the Women and Youth training on the required kkill set cannot be over emphasized”.
Meanwhile, as part of it’s contribution towards guaranteeing the development of Women and Youth Entrepreneurship, twenty laptop computers were donated by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
NITDA’s presence at the event further underscored the parastatal’s immense regards for women empowerment and efforts toward inspiring both Women and Youth Entrepreneurial skills in Nigeria, through the Agency’s mentorship guidance and technical support.