By Our Reporter
Poised to provide access to technology for women and girls in Nigeria, the Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has asserted that women can contribute meaningfully to economic growth, innovation and social progress of the Nation if given full participation in the digital revolution through access to technology.
The President’s Wife who stated this during the official handover ceremony of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Digital Economy Centre equipped in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative Social Investment Programme to the University of Cross River State, averred that “In our quest for national development, we must recognise the indispensable role of technology in advancing gender equality.”
The President’s Wife who was represented by the Wife of the Senate President, Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, stated that “technology has become a positive tool in our world, shaping everything from communication and commerce to education and healthcare. Therefore, in the evolution of the digital economy, our women must not be left behind. Continuous training, access and exposure to technology can open new opportunities, providing greater access to employment and thriving businesses.”
She informed that “the equipped ICT centre is a collaborative effort to provide access to technology for our women and girls. The formal opening of this centre marks a strategic step forward in setting the path for Nigerian women and girls to participate and thrive in the digital revolution,” adding that the Renewed Hope Initiative in collaboration with NITDA will be expanding opportunities for digital literacy and empowerment by building and equipping ICT learning centres in other parts of the country.
In her goodwill message, the Wife of the State Governor, Rev. (Mrs) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu stated that the establishment of the state-of-the-art ICT Centre at the University of Cross River will undoubtedly empower students, faculties and researchers with the requisite tools and resources necessary to excel in the digital age, adding that the “significant milestone marks a crucial step forward in enhancing educational opportunities and technological advancement within our beloved State.”
According to her, “the Centre will serve as a bridge between the Government, industry, and the academia in providing research environment for creativity, idea integration and development of ICT policies, processes and strategies that will drive the tech world,” noting that it will also serve as it serves as a catalyst for continued progress and prosperity in the State and the country.
Rev. Otu who commended the unwavering commitment of the President’s wife to the development of education and technology infrastructure in Cross River State, also commended NITDA for finding the State fit to be a beneficiary of the laudable intervention. “Your vision and leadership continue to inspire us all to strive for excellence and innovation in every facet of our endeavours,” she added.
Earlier in his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr Justin Beshel reiterated that the use of ICT in education cannot be overemphasised, adding that the citing of the Digital Economy Centre signifies that everything needed to restructure the country is in the University, adding that nations are moving from analogue to digital economies and no State should be left behind.
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The Commissioner averred that with the hub in the University, it is a reassurance that the students will graduate into becoming entrepreneurs who are not dependent on white collar jobs but employers of labour in different fields of endeavour. He appreciated the First Lady and NITDA for the initiative and solicited goodwill to be extended to other campuses of UNICROSS for greater results.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor, the University of Cross River State, Prof. Augustine Angba inferred that the facility comprises state-of-the-art equipment, cutting-edge software and other resources that will greatly enhance educational and research capabilities in the University. “the impact of this donation goes far beyond the tangible items we see today. It represents an investment in the future of our university and our students. With these advanced resources at our disposal, we will be able to offer a world-class education that prepares our students for the digital era and equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the ever-evolving professional landscape,” he added.
The UNICROSS VC mentioned that the centre will serve as a catalyst for research and innovation that will enable “faculty members to conduct groundbreaking research, exploring emerging technologies and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of information technology.” He expressed optimism that the centre will transform the University into a hub of academic excellence, technological innovation and research breakthroughs while appreciating the Wives of the President and the State Governor as well as NITDA for making the Digital Economy Centre in UNICROSS a success.
In his goodwill, the President of the Student Union Government, University of Cross River State, Comrade Humphrey Ogboetim congratulated everyone for being a part of the milestone event, adding that the place of technology in the advancement of any society cannot be overemphasised, noting that the enhancement of technology in the University through the ICT Hub is empowering the students and staff with invaluable tools and resources. He appreciated the stakeholders for their contributions towards ensuring that the students are adequately equipped for the digital economy.
The handover ceremony which featured a cultural display from the University students also had in attendance the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi; Wives of Senators of the 10th Senate; Wives of Members of the House of Representatives; Wives of the Members of the State House of Assembly; Political appointees; amongst others.