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As Nigeria join the rest of the world to mark the 2025 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) celebrations today, May 17, with the theme; "Gender Equality in Digital Transformation," the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani has canvassed inclusivity as paramount to national development seeking partnership with the private sector, educational institutions, and civil society to champion Inclusivity in the digital space.
He recalled that WTISD was created to raise awareness of the benefits of the use of the Internet and ICT Technology and how Digital Innovations can help to connect the entire world and to unlock a sustainable prosperity, as well as help to tackle the world's most pressing challenges, like the use of Al (Artificial Intelligence) to fight Climate change to eliminate poverty.
The Minister who spoke at a press briefing as parts of activities to commemorate the day, lamented that despite Nigeria's digital advancements, gender gaps persist particularly in smartphone ownership and access to digital opportunities.
The Minister who represented by Engr. Adeyemo Adetunji lugbenga, the Director National Frequency Management Council Secretariat, noted that inspiring developments however show Nigerian women excelling in fintech, healthtech, and edtech signaling a promising future.
He highlighted efforts to the Bola Tinubu's administration" commitment through the Ministry to bridging this divide through key initiatives such as the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS) (2024-2027) to promote inclusivity and safe online spaces for women as well as the Digital Skills Development, including the three Million Technical Talents (3MTT) Programme and Al research efforts.
Other initiative by the ministry include according to the minister include; access to funding, with government partnerships to provide financial support for women-led tech startups; strengthening safe digital spaces, reinforcing cybersecurity and anti-harassment protections.
"The Ministry hereby calls for collective action beyond government intervention, urging private sector leaders, educational institutions, civil society, and individuals including men and boys to champion Inclusivity in the digital space.
"We are reaffirming Nigeria's commitment to a future where women and girls can fully participate in the digital economy, ensuring gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality," he stated.