The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the House of Representatives Spouses Association (HORSA), recently concluded a two-day capacity-building workshop in Abuja.
The initiative, titled “Empowering Women for a Digital Future: Leadership, Wellbeing, and Opportunity,” aimed to integrate the spouses of Nigeria’s federal lawmakers into the nation’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
Beyond basic computer skills, the programme addressed the multifaceted challenges of modern public life through several key focus areas. Financial and digital literacy sessions taught participants how to leverage technology for business growth and personal wealth management. The curriculum also covered cybersecurity and digital wellbeing to promote online safety, data protection, and mental health resilience. Finally, the workshop focused on economic empowerment by exploring opportunities in remote work, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), and digital entrepreneurship.
In his address, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu emphasized that spouses are trusted advisers. He noted that since many of these women already lead humanitarian efforts, digital skills would enhance their strategic planning and resource mobilization, ultimately deepening their impact on community development.
Also, NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, highlighted that this initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s goal of achieving 95% digital literacy by 2030.
“Women are critical drivers of Nigeria’s digital transformation. Empowering the spouses of lawmakers strengthens leadership at home and positively influences the legislative processes at the National Assembly,” said Kashifu Inuwa
The Leader of HORSA and wife of the Speaker, Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, described the workshop as a historic first for the 10th Assembly. She stressed that in an era where public life extends to online platforms, digital literacy is no longer optional but essential for the invisible emotional responsibilities and leadership roles spouses shoulder.
By equipping these influential women with digital tools, NITDA aims to create community champions who can advocate for technology-driven governance and inclusive economic growth across all 36 states and the FCT.