In a landmark initiative, the Renewed Hope Initiative, in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), recently launched an empowering ICT training program specifically designed for women. This initiative aims not only to enhance productivity but also to address the pressing digital gender gap in Nigeria.

At the closing ceremony, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu underscored the significance of this training, reiterating its vital role in bridging the digital divide. She articulated a powerful message about digital literacy as a transformative force—equipping women with essential ICT skills not only opens new avenues for personal and professional growth but also empowers them to make substantial contributions to Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy.

This initiative to train 252 women in ICT is a tangible step towards elevating Nigerian women through digital education.

Recognizing technology as a gateway to social and economic empowerment, the program is a significant stride toward leveling the playing field in an increasingly digital world.

The First Lady’s involvement amplifies NITDA’s core mission, making women’s inclusion in the tech sphere a national priority. This synergy between the First Lady’s office and NITDA is pioneering a diverse workforce and reinforces Nigeria’s dedication to inclusive economic development by actively incorporating women into the tech sector.

Their collaboration exemplifies how influential leadership can catalyze impactful change. By merging Tinubu’s advocacy with NITDA’s technical prowess, the program raises awareness of the digital gender gap while simultaneously working to close it. This partnership illustrates how strategic alliances can dismantle barriers historically inhibiting women from accessing technology education, thereby creating opportunities for them to thrive in our rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Notably, the training program was designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind. Offering both in-person and online options allows women from all backgrounds—whether rural, urban, or underserved—to participate fully. This commitment to inclusivity addresses geographical and financial constraints, providing a lifeline to women from diverse socio-economic contexts. By establishing a standard for accessible digital education, NITDA is helping to create a more equitable tech ecosystem where all Nigerians can engage meaningfully, regardless of their resources or location.

Moreover, the curriculum was tailored to be culturally relevant, addressing the specific challenges women encounter in Nigeria’s ICT landscape. It included practical modules on work-life balance, breaking stereotypes, and thriving in male-dominated environments. This holistic approach not only imparted technical skills but also fostered confidence among participants, creating a supportive environment conducive to personal and professional growth.

The success of this program illustrates that a robust digital economy must incorporate diverse viewpoints, particularly those of women, whose unique insights are essential for fostering creativity and adaptability in the workforce. By investing in women’s ICT skills, NITDA is cultivating a dynamic workforce that reflects Nigeria’s rich diversity and positions the nation as an innovative, inclusive player in the global market. Women’s contributions to tech will crucially enrich the industry, fueling innovation and progress.

Furthermore, the initiative encourages women to delve into entrepreneurial ventures within the tech sector, equipping them with critical skills in coding, data analysis, and digital marketing that can lead to the establishment of tech-based businesses. This emphasis on entrepreneurship empowers women not only to advance within existing roles but also to become transformative job creators. NITDA’s vision is to cultivate a new generation of women who are not just participants in the workforce, but leaders and innovators able to drive growth and transformation within Nigeria’s economy.

The effectiveness of this program underlines the significance of collaborative leadership between government agencies and public figures. By harnessing the influence of the First Lady’s office alongside NITDA’s technical expertise, this initiative serves as a blueprint for fostering similar programs throughout Nigeria. The outcomes achieved can inspire state and federal institutions to pursue strategic initiatives that bolster gender equity, economic empowerment, and educational advancement.

As more Nigerian women acquire ICT skills, our broader economy stands to gain considerably. The newly trained participants are now capable of addressing skill gaps across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, education, and e-commerce—areas where technology is increasingly foundational. This initiative also aligns with Nigeria’s ambition to solidify its position in the global digital economy, tapping into a talent pool ready to meet the evolving demands of a tech-driven world. A digitally skilled workforce will empower Nigeria to fully leverage the potential of its citizens, promoting national development and economic resilience.

It is evident from NITDA’s training initiative that empowering women through digital literacy is not only an avenue for personal growth but also a crucial step toward national advancement. Nevertheless, the impact of such initiatives could be magnified significantly with broader support.

As First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu champions women’s inclusion in technology, it is imperative for other stakeholders—including both governmental and private entities—to join forces in expanding these efforts, ensuring digital education is accessible to an even larger audience of women across Nigeria. Corporate organizations can contribute through mentorship programs, internships, and funding opportunities, while government agencies should persist in prioritizing policies that enhance resources and infrastructure for women’s ICT education. By collaborating on initiatives like those led by NITDA, stakeholders can foster an environment in which more women gain the skills necessary to thrive and benefit from the digital economy, paving the way for genuinely inclusive growth in Nigeria.

The private sector also has a fundamental role to play in creating opportunities for women in tech, ensuring that graduates of these programs have viable pathways to employment and entrepreneurship. Investments in women-led startups, development of digital platforms tailored to women’s needs, and job creation within the tech industry are essential steps.

Public-private partnerships will be critical in establishing a robust ecosystem where women are empowered and equipped to apply their digital skills in meaningful, impactful ways. The successful integration of women into the digital economy will undoubtedly enrich Nigeria as a whole, fostering a more diversified and resilient economy that mirrors the full potential of its population.

Empowering women through digital literacy transcends mere social justice; it is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s prosperity, promising long-term dividends in economic growth, job creation, and societal progress.

Shuaib S. Agaka, a Tech Journalist, writes from PRNigeria Centre, Kano.

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As part of efforts towards the transformative journey of strengthening National Security with total commitment to robust cybersecurity measures and digital trust, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE has urged the public and private sectors to invest more in the training of cybersecurity professionals, citing that the benefits of securing organisations and processes, far outweighs the cyber-attacks.

The DG made this plea as a Guest Speaker while presenting a paper titled “Alternative to Cybercrime” at the National Cybercrimes Summit 2024, organised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.

The summit, with the theme; Alternate to Cybercrime: Optimising Cyber Skills for National Development,” is a platform that brought together captains of industries, heads of security agencies, traditional and religious leaders to share ideas, expertise and experiences with a focus on enhancing digital skills as strategy to combat cybercrime.

Inuwa emphasised the urgent need to address the growing menace of cybercrime in Nigeria, while proposing alternative paths for Nigeria’s youth and strategies to fortify national cyber resilience.

He detailed the complexities of cybercrime, noting that it is no longer restricted to laptops and desktops but extends to mobile devices, smart TVs, cars, and more, as everything becomes interconnected through technology.

Inuwa outlined five major categories of cybercrime identified by research which are; technical products or services attacks, attacks and extortion, data or identity theft, Scam and Cashing Out or Money Laundering and stated that the financial sector remains the most vulnerable in Africa, with over 3,300 cyber-attacks reported weekly.

While stressing that cybercrime is a global issue that affects every facet of the digital economy, particularly in Nigeria, he said “We are confronted with an urgent reality, Nigeria, a nation with a rich culture, talent and limitless potential is unfortunately grappling with the global menace of cybercrime but today, we are going to look at alternatives to cybercrime.”

Enumerating the underlying factors that trigger cybercrimes such as unemployment, financial incentives and lack of awareness of the legal and moral implications, Inuwa called for a more holistic approach to combating cybercrime, not only through law enforcement but also by offering viable alternatives to those tempted by illegal online activities.

“We need to look at alternatives to cybercrime and the government must focus on digital literacy, skills development, and job creation to steer young Nigerians away from cybercriminality,” he averred.

Inuwa reiterated the importance of providing positive alternatives for Nigerian youth and stressed the potential of the digital economy to create millions of jobs and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP.

The highlight of the event witnessed the first lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, unveiling and launching the EFCC Rapid Response Centre, a response desk against cybercrime that can be accessed at any time of the day.

Other dignitaries present at the event were the Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, the Ooni of Ile Ife who was represented by the Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, the President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Dr Daniel Okoh and many others.

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TECHDIGEST – The Nigerian Senate, yesterday passed a bill seeking to establish the Nationwide Emergency Communications Service and subsequently approved 112 as the toll-free number for emergencies.

The passage of the Nationwide Toll-Free Emergency Number (Establishment) Bill, 2021, followed the consideration of a report by the Committee on Communications, which was presented by Senator Biodun Olujimi on behalf of the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

In her presentation, Olujimi explained that Clause 2 of the Bill seeks to establish the Nationwide Emergency Communications Service.

According to the lawmaker, the agency when established, would be charged with the responsibility of deployment and coordination of a seamless and reliable end-to-end infrastructure for emergency needs throughout Nigeria.

She added that Clause 5 of the bill was amended to vest the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) with the responsibility of formulating regulations and guidelines for the workings of the Nationwide Emergency Communications Service.

Olujimi explained that Clause 11 of the bill prohibits the use of telephone and mobile telecommunications services to place a false, frivolous or vexatious call to the emergency number 112.

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TECH DIGEST – Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber, The Senate, has taken further steps towards strengthening the legal status for the country’s National Emergency Number​​ 112, being implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) though it’s Emergency Communication Centres (ECC).

NCC introduced the Emergency Number in 2019 and it proved effective by providing succours to Nigerians in the nation’s collective efforts to fight the spread of Coronavirus pandemic.

The Senate Committee on Communications recently organised a one-day public hearing where stakeholders gathered to make valuable contributions and observations on two bills by the Senate Committee on Communications.

These are the Nigerian Postal Service Act (Repeal and Establishment) Bill, 2021 and the Nationwide Toll-Free Emergency Number (Establishment) Bill, 2021, being sponsored by Senator Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State.

The emergency number bill passed the second reading on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 and the recent Senate public hearing on the bill was to have extensive discussion towards making the bill more robust to ensure a more effective, uniform and well-coordinated national emergency number 112, when it is finally passed into law, similar to the 999 emergency number in the United Kingdom and 911 in the United States.

Speaking at the public hearing, Senate President, Dr. Ahmed Lawan, stressed the desirability of the passing of such a bill into an Act of national Assembly, adding that the critical role of communication in modern day, especially in handling emergency situations cannot be over-emphasized.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Senate Committee, Oluremi Tinubu, said the bill, when passed, will establish the Nationwide Toll-Free Number as a primary emergency number and contact point for all emergency services in Nigeria, thereby harmonizing the various emergency numbers in the country into one uniform number while, at the same time, empowering the NCC to supervise and ensure compliance.

Represented by his colleague, Senator Odebiyi Akinremi, Senator Amosun said the bill seeks to make 112 the Emergency Number of Nigeria, stating that “this will enable citizens have access to quick and timely response in respect of all forms of emergency situations such as road accidents, fire outbreaks, burglary , medical emergencies and so on’’.

Also speaking, the Minister of Communications and Digital economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, commended the Senate for organizing the public hearing. The Minister said while NCC had established functional ECCs across 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, efforts are in top gear to ensure ECC is established in the remaining 13 states of the Federation for the processing of the emergency calls through the 112 Number.

At the public hearing, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, made a number of valuable recommendations that will make the bill, which he said might be cited as the ‘National Emergency Communication Act, 2021’ when passed into law, more effectual in terms of board composition, scope as well as ability to accommodate emergency services by different statutory and regulatory agencies.

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TECH DIGEST – The Nigerian Senate has no competence on 5G, fifth generation mobile network, that technology with the kind of capacity that can overawe any other technology in terms of speed. That competence resides, first, with the regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, because of enormous capacity built up in-house; and, secondly, with the industry, because of the depth of human capital and resources available to the operators.

Members of the Senate can also acquire this knowledge. But they will not. That is what their legislative assistants are supposed do, specialising in different endeavors of life. They can actually get consultants to help them on any issue under the sun. But that is not the way we treat knowledge. Instead our senators would prefer to upgrade the status of their political touts as political assistants, so that during the next elections they can be more equipped to break more bones.

In between, quite a number are hedonists. Except sheltered in now by COVID-19, they junket round the world in the guise of working for country and they return with little or no knowledge except tales of exploits in a land which others have developed.

A few years back, some of them were returning from a trip to Malaysia. At a breakfast session in one of the exotic hotels in Dubai, all you could hear from them were tales of personal victories and fun, this collection of sybarites, with no remorse for the people’s money they have wasted. I listened to them that morning; they, totally oblivious of another person sitting not far away from them in their ignoble guffaw, and eventually stole away with anger welling up inside of me.

It was no surprise to me last week when the Senate countered the NCC to hold back on the roll out of 5G in Nigeria. Later that night, I saw some of their faces on television. All of a sudden, there seems to be a play back of that Dubai episode: their faces flashing by in cinematic flashback; former governors in retirement at the upper house, senators for life waiting for providence to draw a final curtain, and all kinds of people fraudulently thrown up as leaders of the people, so steeped in hibernation that they can’t set any development agenda for their people who need help most at this time.

So, the Senate put a lid on 5G on the grounds that they need to do more interrogations on the safety of the technology. The Joint Committee on Science and Technology, ICT, Cyber Crime and Primary Health responsible for this epochal investigation, is led by Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Technology has always harboured its demon of fears, leaving the window open for only the bold to take in the light of breakthrough and success. Mobile technology has had its share of these demons and, only last year, 5G was accused of being responsible for COVID-19! And in Britain (one is not talking of some little islands outside of the continent of Australia) some 5G base stations were burnt by troubled souls who were so convinced of the wickedness of the new technology.

Knowing the frailties of human emotions and how easy it is to manipulate them with severe untruth, this writer had last year admonished the Committee: “In this journey, there are low hanging opportunities, repository of industry knowledge that the Senate must take advantage of. They include but not limited to the Nigerian Communications Commission, the regulatory agency of the telecommunications industry, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, two operating bodies in the industry – ATCON and ALTON, GSMA, ITU, WHO ICNIRP and a whole lot of other organisations.”

One would never know if the Committee ever found this unsolicited advice useful. But such was the situation last year that as COVID-19 created an epidemic fear, the regulator had to release a comprehensive statement in which it assured of the safety of 5G. While the Commission acknowledged a trial run of 5G in Nigeria with all the relevant stakeholders involved, it confirmed that no 5G license had been issued any operator even as safety and human health are top priority in the design and deployment of the technology.

“5G technology will transform the world by connecting everything with everybody. It will create millions of jobs, it will add billions of dollars to the economy (GDP), and can solve some of our problems such as insecurity and improve governance and efficiency in the society,” the Commission listed the benefits in the statement.

Nigeria needs to move beyond emotions and unfounded paranoia to tap into the benefits of 5G. The reason being that the world is moving on and nobody is going to wait for any country which is not sure of what it wants out of tomorrow. While we were measuring the value of life apropos 5G last year, an operator in Dubai simply tracked the flow of traffic to confirm the migration and residence of subscribers and pinpointed their equipment to enable them have unbelievable tech experience and work from home at the height of the pandemic.

South Korea, a country with very little land in the Korea peninsula rolled out 5G technology in December 2018, and that country which used to cringe before the bestial North, is miles ahead of most advanced countries of the West, including the US and Germany, and even China that are the curators of 5G equipment. At no time does anybody, including visitors, run short of high speed open Wi-Fi on the streets of Incheon.

In Africa, South Africa (MTN and Vodacom) and Kenya (Safaricom) are maintaining a clear lead although over 10 other countries are carrying out a 5G trial. Nigeria has finished a trial and was on the cusp of significant advancement before the flight was aborted by the Senate.

Is 5G that important?

Let me give you the American view as presented by former President, Donald Trump. Taking a significant decision in April last year, Trump said: “We cannot allow any other country to out-compete the United States in this powerful industry of the future. We are leading by so much in so many different industries of that type, and we just can’t let that happen. The race to 5G is a race America must win, and it’s a race, frankly, that our great companies are now involved in. We’ve given them the incentive they need. It’s a race that we will win.”

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TECH DIGEST – The Senate has approved the deployment of 5G network in Nigeria.

This followed the outcome of investigations by a joint committee mandated to carry out same.

The committees are Communications, Science and Technology, ICT and Cyber Crimes, and Primary Health Care and Communicable Diseases.

The report was presented by the chairman, Senator Oluremi Tinubu during plenary yesterday.

The upper chamber, during consideration of the report, adopted the joint committee’s recommendations which were the outcome of investigation into the Status of 5G Network in Nigeria and its technological impact on Nigerian citizens.

The upper chamber said the technological impact of 5G will revolutionize Nigerians’ way of life from education to agriculture, security to entertainment, and governance in general if the technology is deployed.

It explained that its decision to recommend the deployment of the 5G technology was based on information provided by government establishments such as the federal ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, the Nigerian Communications Commission, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Information Technology Development Agency and other telecoms professional organisations such as the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Global System of Mobile Communications Association.

It, however, added that though no license has been issued to any mobile number operator on commercial basis, Nigeria should still observe the trend of 5G deployments around the globe and engage in extensive sensitization of the public through all channels before THE commencement of commercial deployments in the country.

Accordingly, the Red Chamber urged relevant government agencies to embark on preparing the ground by putting the necessary infrastructure and technology in place for its eventual deployment.

“This period of ground preparation is expected to be utilized to complete feasibility studies for the various broadband projects in order to ascertain actual cost implications for their implementation, complete sustainability plans, provide enabling environment including free Right of Way (ROW); tax waivers, sustainable power supply, improve security of men, materials and equipment, eliminate multiple regulations and charges, recognize telecommunications infrastructure as public utility infrastructure; and engender public trust and confidence,” it stated

The Senate further called on federal government to ensure that global standards for the deployment of 5G technology are strictly adhered to, while looking out for lessons learnt by countries that have already deployed in order to guide our own deployment.

“Lessons from South Korea, the first country with substantial deployment would be instructive in this regard.

“It is imperative that intense safety standards and precaution, based on available evidence, are put in place for wireless radiation system ahead of wide scale implementation,” the upper chamber advised.

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