A non-governmental organization has launched an ambitious digital skills training program targeting women and young people across Northern Nigeria, marking a significant step toward bridging the digital divide in the region.
Expanding Digital Access Across Northern States
The Niger Delta Initiative has partnered with Women Our Voice Our Votes (WOVOV), STEM Africa, and WOVOV Venture to roll out comprehensive digital skills training programs across 10 northern states. The initiative comes as part of a broader effort to equip Nigerian youth with essential technological competencies.
According to Dr. Akpoguma Okuoimose, Chairperson and CEO of the Niger Delta Initiative, the program is specifically designed to enhance participants' competitiveness in the rapidly evolving digital economy. "This initiative reflects our organization's commitment to expanding access to quality digital education for young women," she told journalists.
Practical Training for Real-World Impact
The training program focuses on providing participants with both foundational digital literacy and practical competencies needed to capitalize on emerging opportunities in today's technology-driven landscape. Forty Nigerian youths have already been enrolled in the program through the support of Keystone Bank employees.
Dr. Okuoimose emphasized that the organization maintains an "unwavering commitment to delivering inclusive and accessible digital education across Northern Nigeria." The program has already seen successful implementation in multiple locations.
Active Learning Centers and Participant Engagement
The initiative has established several active training centers in Gombe State, where young women have begun their learning journey. "The centers are vibrant and filled with young women acquiring essential technological skills that will prepare them for opportunities within the fast-growing digital economy," Okuoimose described.
She characterized the effort to broaden digital access for women as "more than a project; it is a transformative mission." The program aims not only to provide technical skills but also to promote inclusivity and strengthen the economic foundation of communities nationwide.
The initiative has expanded to Kebbi State, where multiple centers have commenced digital skills training. Participants have shown remarkable enthusiasm during hands-on sessions facilitated by experienced trainers.
"Multiple centers came alive with energy as participants began their journey into the world of technology," Okuoimose observed. "They are learning tools and competencies that will shape their place in the emerging digital economy."
The organization remains focused on ensuring that young women across Nigeria gain real, applicable digital skills that support a more inclusive society and help build stronger community economies. This initiative represents a significant investment in human capital development that could have far-reaching effects on Nigeria's digital transformation.
