Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerian girls to remain confident, curious and bold as they develop skills in technology and innovation.
She gave the charge in Abuja at a dinner held for winners of the National Girls in ICT competition, which brought together young innovators from across the country.
Tinubu said the programme reflects government’s commitment to promoting digital learning among girls, noting that their ideas have the potential to address real-life challenges in society.
She encouraged participants to continue learning, building and innovating, stressing that their contributions are valuable and that they should believe in their abilities.
The competition recorded more than 3,700 participants nationwide. Out of these, about 111 emerged as regional winners, while six teams advanced to the final stage.
Projects showcased at the event included digital tools for farming, learning support systems for children with autism, and assistive technologies for people with hearing impairments.
Tinubu said the initiative aligned with the Federal Government’s broader agenda on youth empowerment and digital skills development.
She also commended efforts to establish innovation clubs in schools and provide learning materials to students.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said talent is widespread across Nigeria, stressing the need to expand access to opportunities that can nurture it.
He said government is investing in digital infrastructure through fibre-optic networks, training programmes and telecommunications projects aimed at improving connectivity and inclusion.
The Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, said the initiative is helping girls build confidence and acquire practical skills in technology-driven fields. She added that girls should not only consume technology but also contribute to its creation.
The final stage of the competition was won by the Special Education Centre, Bauchi, with its assistive technology project.
Other finalists came from schools in Cross River, Abia, Kano, Abuja and Osun States. Winners received cash prizes, laptops and mentorship opportunities.
In a related development, Tinubu also extended support to more than 1,000 petty traders and persons with disabilities in the Federal Capital Territory.
Beneficiaries received items such as sewing machines, grinding machines, water pumps, hair dryers and tricycles, alongside cash grants.
Community leaders commended the intervention and appealed for further support in areas such as infrastructure and education.
Esther Akwu, speaking on behalf of beneficiaries with disabilities, said the intervention had improved livelihoods within the community.
