Oyo State commissioner for women affairs and social inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, has reiterated her ministry’s commitment to empowering women in line with the vision of the present state government.
The commissioner 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.
She said the government would continue to encourage women to develop keen interest in the study of science, technology and innovation programmes for relevance.
The commissioner saidt in line with the present administration’s agenda, researchers and innovators will be protected with the appropriate legal framework.
According to her, 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 delinquency 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.
Balogun who assured the hub of government’s support, said the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration is interested that women play more important roles in politics thereby surpassing the 35 percent women in inclusion, as suggested by the United Nations.
In his remarks, the head, innovation and technology, Mr. Ibukun Atoro, unveiled two outstanding trainees.
He said Grace Ogundokun, a 12-year-old girl, created an Artificial Intelligent Chatbot, while Ayodele Famose, a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member developed weather monitoring of cities in Nigeria.
The trainees expressed their appreciation to Oyo Tech Hub innovators for giving them the opportunity to excel in technology innovations.
