Young schoolgirls converged on the Governor’s Office on Monday for the Ekiti State Technovation Girls celebration, lauding the event as a pivotal moment in their technological journey.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Agboola, Special Adviser for Special Education and Social Inclusion to the Governor, stressed the state’s unwavering commitment to leveraging technology to uplift young women and girls. Speaking to an enthusiastic audience, she highlighted the administration’s strides in making technology both accessible and transformative for Ekiti’s female youth.
Describing the event as a “joyful occasion,” Mrs. Agboola emphasized the significance of bringing together bright young minds to explore the vast world of technology. She praised the Technovation Girls initiative for empowering participants to transition from mere consumers to creators of technology. “You are the future of technology,” she declared, “and as far as Ekiti is concerned, we’re banking on you to take it to a higher place.”
Reflecting on the impact of the program, Mrs. Agboola shared the success story of a former Technovation Girls participant who had significantly benefited from the initiative. The young woman had “gained a lot from the program and learned immensely during the app creation process,” highlighting how technology has simplified life and expanded opportunities, such as making banking transactions convenient from home.
Encouraging perseverance and the willingness to take risks, Agboola advised the girls to view every challenge as a growth opportunity. She warned against the allure of cybercrime, advocating instead for the ethical use of technology to benefit society. “Perseverance is learning to bring your own ideas to life,” she noted, adding that the state government is committed to initiatives that enable women and girls to thrive in the tech world.
Mrs. Agboola also spoke on the government’s efforts to create a supportive environment for women in technology. She highlighted how the administration has provided platforms for women to participate actively in governance and innovation. “The world of technology is vast and ever-changing,” she remarked, urging the girls to stay curious and open to new ideas.
The event opened with a speech by Mrs. Yetunde Olasoji, team lead of Technovation Girls Nigeria’s Southwest chapter, who emphasized the transformative potential of technology for young women. “If something does not change, you will have to change something,” she quoted, praising the government’s efforts and encouraging the girls to become proactive problem-solvers in their communities.
Concluding the event, Tutor General Mr. Femi Ogungbamigbe urged the girls to fully embrace technology. “Technology can make you an inventor, a creator, and it can make you bold,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Technovation team for their role in bringing these opportunities to Ekiti State.
The celebration showcased the Ekiti State Government’s dedication to integrating technology into the education and empowerment of young women. Participants, including girls from various secondary schools and special schools in the state, expressed their appreciation for the government’s and Technovation Girls Nigeria’s initiative, marking the event as a transformative step forward in their educational journey and positioning Ekiti as a beacon of progress in Nigeria’s technological landscape.
