By Chikaodili Obinwa :
The Anambra State Government in conjunction with Women Tech Makers Onitsha has organized a programme aimed at celebrating the accomplishments of women in technology and advocating for increased female participation in the tech sector.
The event was sponsored by Google Developer Group at Nicholla Hotel and Suites, Onitsha.
The Women Techmakers Onitsha event served as a platform to celebrate women’s contributions to technology, foster collaboration, and inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in the tech industry.
Ms. Chinwe Okoli, the Special Adviser (SA) to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo on Innovation and Business Incubation, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the theme “Impact the Future.”
She emphasized that International Women’s Day is not merely a celebration of women who have already made significant strides in various sectors, especially in technology, but a call to action for women to actively shape the world.
Ms. Okoli spoke about the rapid advancement of technology and the disruptive force of AI, urging women to play a pivotal role in leveraging these innovations to create impactful solutions, stressing that technology is too crucial to be monopolized by one gender and highlighted the unique perspectives and contributions that women bring to the design and development of technologies.
She also highlighted the tech vision of Mr. Governor, Prof. Soludo, for Anambra State, emphasizing his commitment to digital empowerment and innovation.
She lauded the establishment of the Solution Innovation District (SID) in Awka as a significant step toward providing free tech training, equipping participants with globally relevant skills, and fostering economic opportunities for thousands of Ndi Anambra.
The SA commended the governor’s proactive approach to digital transformation, envisioning a digitally self-sufficient Anambra that is globally competitive.
In recognition of her efforts and contributions to women’s digital development in the state, she was awarded the Anambra State Tech Woman of the Year Award, a testament of all her amazing works and efforts to push the vision of Mr. Governor, in ensuring that Anambra State becomes the next Silicon Valley of the East.
Engr. Happiness Akabuike, the event’s host, reiterated the core mission of the Women Techmakers Onitsha event; recognizing women’s achievements in the tech industry and promoting greater female participation.
She emphasized the transformative power of technology in transcending geographical barriers through remote work.
Notable dignitaries present in the event includes Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Ify Obinabo, and Mrs. Chinwe Achugbu, Permanent Secretary of Anambra State.
*Chikaodili is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State