The wife of Ondo State Governor, Betty Akeredolu, says the state government would make the state the Silicon hub in the country.
Akeredolu stated this while inaugurating “Summer Information Communication Technology (ICT) Programme’’ for girls in the state’s public schools at the Public Service Training Institute, Ilara-Mokin in Ifedore Local Government Area on Tuesday.
She said that the programme was designed to empower the girl-child on the use of lCT in the digital age and to shrink the gender gap in information technology sector.
She said “equipping our girls with the knowledge of ICT gives them the advantage to be key players in the global space,” adding that there was prolific use of technology in almost all human activities.
Akeredolu said that lCT skills acquired by the girls from the programme would enable them to create social media platforms that could be used to champion awareness on breast cancer and end female genital mutilation.
“I am a firm believer that improving the young ones, especially the young women, is the best way to empower a nation.
“I believe that if we give our girls access to technology and the right tools, development will follow.
“With this programme, we are encouraging our women to pursue education in STEM field – science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“Our girls must overcome cultural and social barriers that women face when entering STEM education,” she said.
She commended the partners of the programme, and urged chairmen of the 18 local government areas in the state to replicate the programme in their areas.
The Director-General, Pubic Service Training Institute, Deji Akinwalere, commended the governor’s for the initiative to educate the girl-child on ICT.
Akinwalere assured the trainees of an enabling environment during their stay in the institute, and urged them to make judicious use of the programme.
The programme was organised by Akeredolu in conjunction with corporate organisations, including Access Bank, First Bank, Shoprite and Greenwich.
The summer programme will last four weeks.