The Federal Government conducted a training program where 138 female artisans and women with disabilities received laptops and other equipment.

Dr. Asabe Vilita-Bashir, the Director-General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), disclosed that 70 female artisans and 68 persons with disabilities (PWDs) were trained in ICT and mobile phone repairs.

Dr. Vilita-Bashir highlighted the significant role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in various aspects of life, emphasizing its transformative impact on living, working, and interactions. She stressed that investing in education, empowerment, and development, particularly for women, is crucial for a nation’s full development potential.

She expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his inclusive initiative, ensuring that everyone can participate and benefit from ICT to become active and productive. Dr. Vilita-Bashir encouraged the beneficiaries to share the knowledge they gained with others, as the government remains committed to training and empowering women and youths.

To motivate the participants, each of them received a brand-new laptop and a transportation stipend. The MBNCWD will continue to support and monitor the progress of the participants to ensure their success in their chosen fields. The beneficiaries were urged to put their newly acquired skills into practice and share their knowledge in their respective states.

Mr. Johnson Morrison-Udobong, the Director of the ICT Department at MBNCWD, highlighted how the training exposed participants to technology, fostering inclusiveness by integrating PWDs into the labor force. The training programs aimed to expose participants to ICT innovations that can transform their lives and enable them to become productive entrepreneurs.

Morrison-Udobong emphasized that ICT is a catalyst for digital transformation and helps bridge the digital divide by providing digital skills and relevant devices. He encouraged the participants to make the most of the acquired skills, as it would open up various opportunities for them.

The beneficiaries expressed appreciation to MBNCWD for the training, acknowledging its positive impact on the lives of PWDs. They mentioned the newfound knowledge gained from the program and expressed gratitude for the free laptops provided. They also pledged to share their knowledge with other PWDs who did not have the opportunity to participate in the training.