As part of efforts in promoting ICT practice in Nigeria, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has empowered 50 women journalists with requisite skills and tools.
The digital journalism initiative drew participants from Nigeria’s Northwest states of Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Kaduna.
“It is to help increase awareness of the potentialities that the use of ICT in journalism offers in transforming the Profession, especially among Women Journalists,” NITDA Director-General Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi stated.
Speaking at the capacity building workshop organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists Jigawa State Chapter, he added it was to equip the participants with the skills and tools required to counteract the hazards associated with cybersecurity attacks.
The DG, represented by NITDA’s Head of ICT Outreach unit, Bashir Ibrahim, expressed optimism the programme would make them more efficient, more effective and competitive with other prominent global media gladiators.
“NITDA being responsible for regulating and promoting ICT practice in Nigeria has taken an interest to fully sponsor this training programme, which is hoped to reshape the journalism profession especially among Women Journalists,” he asserted.
He underscored the agency’s commitment to hosting ICT activities & programmes aimed at empowering citizens with the right modern skills and knowledge befitting the global digital trends.
Chairperson NAWOJ Hauwa Ladan expressed appreciation to NITDA for empowering the women journalists with skills and distributing 50 laptops to them.
She lauded the Minister of communication and digital economy, Prof.Sheikh Isa Ali Pantami and NITDA DG’s efforts towards digital transformation in Nigeria.
The NAWOJ chair noted that the digital economy’s opportunities made many Nigerians self-reliant and employers of labours, lifting millions out of poverty.
