Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) have forged a strategic partnership to accelerate women’s digital inclusion, expand digital literacy and equip women across Nigeria with the skills required to thrive in the country’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
The collaboration was formalised during a courtesy visit by a NAWOJ delegation, led by its National President, Comrade Aishatu Ibrahim, to the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, where the association also unveiled plans for the forthcoming Women in Security (WINSEC) Summit and Awards 2026.
Represented by the Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Inuwa assured the association of NITDA’s full participation in and support for the summit, describing it as a timely initiative that aligns with the Agency’s commitment to promoting gender inclusion and digital empowerment.
Dr Aristotle Onumo and some NITDA staff, pose for a group photograph with the President of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, and members of the delegation following a strategic engagement at the Agency’s Headquarters in Abuja.
The NITDA Director General commended NAWOJ for creating a platform that promotes peacebuilding, security dialogue and women’s inclusion, noting that these priorities complement the Agency’s National Gender Inclusive Strategy.
He said the partnership would extend beyond participation in the conference by creating sustainable opportunities to equip more women with digital literacy and technology skills across the country.
“Inclusivity is the key to everything we do at NITDA. We clearly defined that 40 per cent of our programmes must recognise the issue of gender. We ensure that women are adequately represented and positioned to benefit greatly from the programmes that we organise in the agency.
“We graciously accept to participate actively in that conference. Apart from acquiring skills among journalists themselves, partnership with NAWOJ will also serve as a platform through which we can also reach out to various women’s groups across the federation,” Inuwa said.
Earlier, NAWOJ National President, Comrade Aishatu Ibrahim, commended Inuwa for his visionary leadership, which she said has continued to position NITDA as a key driver of Nigeria’s digital economy through innovative programmes and strategic initiatives.
She explained that the Women in Security (WINSEC) Summit and Awards 2026 is designed to strengthen collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, technology experts, media professionals and other stakeholders in addressing emerging security challenges through innovation and technology.
According to her, the initiative will also recognise outstanding individuals and institutions that have demonstrated excellence in security, governance and innovation while promoting dialogue on the role of technology in building a safer and more resilient Nigeria.
“We deeply appreciate your exemplary leadership, passion for innovation, and unwavering commitment to building a digitally empowered Nigeria. We respectfully invite the agency to partner with NAWOJ in making this landmark initiative a success.
“We look forward to establishing a long-term partnership with NITDA that will empower women journalists with cutting-edge digital skills, support digital inclusion and contribute to innovation, digital literacy, and human capital development,” Ibrahim said.
Both organisations expressed confidence that the engagement would pave the way for a long-term partnership with clearly defined objectives focused on advancing digital inclusion, innovation, digital literacy and sustainable human capital development, while empowering more women to participate actively in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
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