The Oyo State government on Monday said it would continue to encourage women to develop keen interest in the study of Science, Technology and Innovation programmes for relevance.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. Mrs Toyin Balogun, stated this during the graduation of 60 girls, who had undergone courses in computer technology at the Oyo Tech Hub, held at Technical Floor, Kasali Elesan Building, Idi-Ope, Oyo town.
The commissioner noted that in line with the present administration’s agenda, researchers and innovators will be protected with the appropriate legal framework.
Hon Balogun averred that the role of women is not limited to the kitchen and ‘the other room,’ but when adequately skilled they can excel in their primary responsibilities.
She said, “Women are intelligent, beautiful and can work together to make the society better through impacting positively on their children and youths, who are the future of tomorrow. If a woman is empowered, she will take care of her home and invariably reduce social deliquesce in the society.”
She advised the girls not to limit themselves, but emulate women of substance in the society who had paid their dues, such as Ada Lovelace, who was the first female computer programmer.
Mrs. Balogun, while assuring the hub of government’s support, stressed that the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration is interested in women playing more important roles in politics, thereby surpassing the 35 per cent women inclusion, as suggested by the United Nations.
In his remarks, the Head, Innovation and Technology, Oyo Tech Hub, Mr. Ibukun Atoro, unveiled two outstanding trainees.
He said Grace Ogundokun, a 12-year-old girl, created an Artificial Intelligent charbot, while Ayodele Famose, a serving National Youth Service Corps member developed weather monitoring of cities in Nigeria.
The trainees expressed their appreciation to the Oyo Tech Hub innovators for giving them the opportunity to excel in technology innovations.
