Onwenu stated this at the closing ceremony of a 10-day Computer and Business Skills Training for Women with the theme “No woman left out.’’
She said the training offered less privileged girls and women the opportunity to acquire ICT and business skills as well as learning the latest technologies in digital media.
“In organising this programme, the NCWD has shown continued commitment to our mandate and aligning our efforts with the transformation agenda of the present administration.
The director-general said the training was in line with the UN and the International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU’s) call for action to empower women and girls to meet their goals and aspirations.
“Many of you are aware that gender equality is a basic human right enshrined in the UN Charter and it is one of the main objectives of UN Millennium Development Goals.
“This administration is fully committed to it. Hence NCWD is using the power of ICT to provide new digital opportunities in the hope of empowering millions of girls and women in the country’’, she said.
She added that the centre, established in Oct. 1992 as an institute mandated for research, training and documentation, had been in the forefront of innovation in ICT training in the country.
“New challenges and threats to girls and women continue to arise as the world changes. Women’s education is under attack.
“More than 200 schoolgirls were abducted from their school in northern Nigeria by a terrorist organisation that targets schools and is adamantly opposed to educating girls and women.
“The public outcry against this violence cannot be overemphasised,’’ she said.
She said the centre had been responding to challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment among women.
“Educating women and closing the internet gender gap had an important multiplier effect as it expands opportunities for families, communities and nations.
“Computer skills are imperative for the modern business owners as well as employees. We blend the latest in technology learning with entrepreneurial skills to create a well-rounded experience.’’
She advised the participants to serve as agents of transformation by using what they learnt during the training to make Nigeria a better place.
Mr Manny Emecheta, the Director of ICT in the centre, said the training of the 50 graduates was the first batch and the second batch of 50 would be announced soon.
He said that the programme would promote skilled workforce to mitigate the challenges of unemployment in the country.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Attah Mnena, said it was a good thing they were exposed to computer world.
She urged the federal government to continue funding the programme as it would empower women economically.
Another beneficiary, Mrs Sara Aliyu, said the programme was educative and that it would enable them to start something on their own.
She appealed to the government to extend the programme to rural areas so that they could be carried along.
She suggested that more courses should be accredited to enable more women to participate.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of certificates to the participants. (NAN)
