In Port Harcourt, 1600 women from Rivers State graduated on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from a three-month digital skills training program organized by the Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN).
The initiative, known as the Women-led Digital Skills Training Programme, equips women with essential tech skills to bridge the gender gap in the oil-rich region.
Since 2023, SDN has trained participants in high-demand fields such as Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, Cybersecurity, and Graphics Design. The program began after a study revealed a shortage of women in the local tech industry.
To address this gap, SDN designed a training model that not only provided free education but also kept women engaged throughout the learning process.
During the graduation ceremony, SDN country director Florence Ibok Abak commended the graduates for their dedication and achievements. “Your commitment proves the transformative power of digital skills. This training empowers not just individuals but also communities and the entire Niger Delta,” Abak said.
She urged the graduates to apply their skills and seek opportunities for personal and professional growth.Keynote speaker Anita Okonweze encouraged the women to remain consistent in their tech journeys. “You have the ability to succeed. Your efforts can create more opportunities for women in STEM worldwide.
Stay focused and keep growing,” she said. Her speech reinforced the importance of persistence in achieving success in the tech industry.
Opara Chiekezi, Head of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL), stressed the need for tangible results. “This program goes beyond training; it’s about transformation. We expect at least 20% of you to become industry leaders, entrepreneurs, or innovators,” he said.
He encouraged graduates to launch their own tech brands, secure top jobs, and prove the program’s impact to international sponsors who may expand the initiative to other oil-producing states.
This milestone not only empowers the graduates but also strengthens the movement toward gender equality and digital inclusion in the Niger Delta. As these women step into the tech industry, they bring new possibilities for a more inclusive and digitally advanced region.
