Kaduna State Government is focused on making the State a beacon of technological innovation and business excellence, by fostering partnerships and gender inclusivity.
The Government is also deepening the penetration of broadband and other infrastructure in order to make Kaduna State a major IT hub of ideas that will give birth to innovations.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, who disclosed this at the Arewa Ladies 4Tech Alumni Hangout which held in Kaduna, noted that Government’s efforts is not gone unnoticed.
A few weeks ago, the State received the Broadband Infrastructure Excellence Award for pioneering broadband friendly policies from the National Broadband Alliance of Nigeria (NBAN),’’ she disclosed.
While emphasising the critical role of technology, the Deputy Governor also noted that ‘’the digital revolution is no longer a distant dream; but a current reality, and must be embraced wholeheartedly.’’
Dr Balarabe commended ArewaLadies4Tech partners for empowering women in technology, adding that ‘’their determination and resilience are not only transforming individual lives but are also significantly contributing to the technological advancement of Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole.’’
Dr Balarabe further said that Kaduna State is also striving to promote women empowerment and gender equality because women play a vital role in driving economic growth and development.
She also stressed government’s commitment to providing the necessary resources, infrastructure, and policies that will facilitate innovation, inclusive growth, and global competitiveness.
In her opening remarks, the Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs Patience Fakai, said that the event is not just the celebration of the over 5000 participants that benefitted from the ArewaLadies4Tech Project, but the collective progress ‘’ in advancing technology and innovation amongs women in Kaduna State.
The Commissioner commended the Data Science Nigeria (DSN) and Google.org for making the ArewaLadies4Tech initiative possible, and all other stakeholders that are empowering women in technology.
Mrs Fakai pointed out that technology is now the cornerstone of economic development and social transformation, adding that Government ‘’has been very deliberate in tech-inclusion, especially as it pertains women.’’
According to her, Kaduna State is committed to fostering an enabling environment that supports innovation and entrepreneurship.
‘’ We believe that through strategic collaboration with initiatives like ArewaLadies4Tech, we can bridge the gender gap in technology, enhance digital literacy, and empower more women to become leaders in this field,’’ she argued.
COV: Bilkisu Kambai
