The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan-Ogunwusi, has declared his readiness to lure girl-child into technology, stating that it would help shape the fortune and future of the country.
He disclosed this in Lagos at the official launching of a programme by his nongovernmental organisation, Hopes Alive Initiative for Africa (HAI). Tagged, “She-Levate Tech Digital Bootcamp,” he said the programme was aimed at bridging the gender gap in Africa’s digital economy.
Having facilitated support from the French Embassy Fund for Civil Society Organisation
(FEF-OSC) and Edunity.ng, the 16-week digital skills training programme for 60 young women from underserved communities in Lagos, officially commenced yesterday and is billed to end in October.
Representing the monarch and serving as the deputy convener, Queen Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi alongside Head of Programme, Mr. Akapo Olusegun, noted that all hands were on deck to ensure that digital queens were raised from the initiative while stressing that other great plans were also in the offing to extend the project beyond underserved communities in Lagos.
“I must acknowledge that this would not be possible without God Almighty, who Himself is the most selfless and deeply connected with humanity in ways we can’t describe. I’m also glad to represent my husband, who has been the backbone of this initiative.
“This is not just another training programme, it’s a movement. We are moving, we are changing lives. I remember when you told me about the single mother who wept with gratitude because her daughter was chosen. That’s the kind of change we’re talking about. You don’t just transform a girl’s life, you transform her family, her community and the entire nation.
“I met the Ambassador of the French Embassy, a dear friend and a man whose heart truly yearns for the less privileged. And that’s what I do: I connect with great minds to create opportunities like this.
“I implore every young woman in this bootcamp, take it seriously, put your heart and soul into it. This is a life-changing opportunity. This is just the beginning; we are taking this movement to more states,” she stated. In a similar vein, Mr Olusegun, while narrating selection procedures, disclosed that beneficiaries came from 10 vulnerable communities across six local government areas in Lagos, including Bariga, Yaba, Ikorodu, Kosofe and Mushin.
He further noted that the foundation engaged these communities through interactive orientations and digital literacy screenings.
“We were fair enough in our selection process. I was personally moved by the enthusiasm of these young women and their fierce determination to rise. Over 120 applicants and 30 community leaders, including Baales, Imams, Christian leaders and youth influencers, actively participated in these sessions. Their hope was tangible, their ambition undeniable. This is about giving every girl, no matter where she was born, the chance to dream, build and lead. It is about raising digital queens, creating futures and shaping communities. And to the young women joining this programme, I say: You’re worthy, capable and the world awaits the brilliance only you can bring,” he stated.
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