Women and Girls Can Contribute to National Digital Revolution And Innovation if Given Access to Technology - Sen. Oluremi Tinubu in UNICROSS

The first lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. have said women and girls can contribute to national digital revolution and innovation if given access to technology.

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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 recognize 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. Continous 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 particular. 

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In her goodwill message, the Wife of the State Governor, Rev. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu stated that the establishment of the state-of-the-art ICT Centre in 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 the tech world,” noting that it will also serve as it serve as a catalyst for continued progress and prosperity in the State and the country.

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 overemphasized, 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 analog to digital economies and no State should be left behind.

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor, University of Cross River State, Prof. Augustine Angba inferred that the facility comprises a 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 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.

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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 Ogbo Etim congratulated everyone for being a part of the milestone event, adding that the place of technology in the advancement of any society cannot be overemphasized, 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 cultural display.

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The handover ceremony which featured 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.