First Lady Distributes 100 Tablets as Ondo State’s Girl Child ICT Programme Concludes
In a commitment to ensure the enduring impact of the month-long training initiative, the Ondo State Girl Child ICT programme culminated with a grand graduation ceremony. One hundred young girls, selected from 23 secondary schools in Akure, Ondo State, were the beneficiaries of this comprehensive program. At the event, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the First Lady of Ondo State, graciously distributed 100 tablets to the deserving participants.
The memorable ceremony took place at the Public Service Training Institute, Ilara-Mokin, and was attended by dignitaries and stakeholders invested in advancing gender equality and technology education. Arabinrin Akeredolu addressed the gathering, highlighting the pressing challenges facing our nation and emphasizing the need for collective efforts in driving positive change.
The First Lady conveyed her hope that these empowered young women, armed with newfound digital knowledge, would become influential players in the global arena. Reflecting on her own upbringing in Emeabiam, a remote community in Imo State, she shared the inspiration behind her visionary initiatives.
The essence of her endeavors lies in changing traditional narratives. “I was born in an era when women’s education was sidelined in favor of preparing for marriage,” she noted. “My current pursuits stem from my dedication to championing causes that reshape this narrative. Our young girls deserve to know their immense potential.”
Arabinrin Akeredolu further explained the synergies between her various initiatives, noting that women play a crucial role as energy managers within their homes. This observation prompted her to connect the dots between the Solar4Girls Naija program, which imparts knowledge about renewable energy and climate change, and the broader goal of addressing societal challenges such as poverty and energy dependence.
The First Lady’s vision extends beyond mere gender parity; she envisions these young girls as agents of change. She envisions a Digital Academy, a virtual classroom powered by solar energy, where skills learned today become solutions for tomorrow’s problems.
Mrs. Funke Opeke, delivering the keynote address, stressed the imperative of bridging the gender gap in the field of ICT. She emphasized that advanced countries have achieved less than a 10% gender gap, while in Africa, this gap remains over 30%. Her call to action encouraged young women to pursue careers in engineering and sciences to collectively close this divide in our nation’s journey towards development.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of 100 tablets to the young participants. Two of the beneficiaries, Ayomiposi Christopher and Bukola Ayodele from St. Dominic’s High School and St. Francis High School, Akure, expressed their gratitude and joy for being part of a transformative journey. They extended heartfelt thanks to the First Lady for the impactful opportunity that will shape their futures.
As the Ondo State Girl Child ICT programme concludes, the ripples of change initiated by these young minds are poised to resonate far beyond the confines of this event. Through technology and education, they are charting a new course towards a brighter and more equitable future.
