The Kaduna State Government has entered into an agreement with Google.org to train 5,000 women and girls in data science, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurial application of digital technologies.

This is contained in a statement on Monday in Kaduna by Mr Muhammad Hehu, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State.

Sani said that the initiative was part of a broader skills development programme supported by Google.org, aimed at empowering 20,000 more women and young people across Nigeria with 21st-century skills.

He said this was with a view to positioning them for opportunities in the digital and creative industries.

He also said that the programme would be executed by Data Science Nigeria, which would set up Arewa Tech4Ladies.

“This initiative is crafted to serve four key semi-urban and rural communities in Kaduna State, offering specialised women-focused learning, mentoring, and job placement support facilities,” he said.

The governor said that inclusion in technology was not just about social equity, but about economic progress.

“This is by empowering our women with digital skills, and by so doing, we are not only breaking gender barriers but also setting the stage for significant economic growth.

“This partnership with Google underscores our commitment to harnessing the vast potential of our women for the socio-economic transformation of Kaduna State and Nigeria at large,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Olumide Balogun, Google Director for West Africa, said that the future of tech in Nigeria hinges on tapping into the potential of every individual, irrespective of gender.

According to him, “our collaboration with the Kaduna State Government is a testament to our unwavering belief in the transformative power of women in tech.”

He noted that the collaboration was a clear indication of both parties’ commitment to drive inclusion in the tech industry, by ultimately supporting improved economic livelihoods through the digital economy in Nigeria.

“Through the support of Google.org, we are dedicated to fostering a more inclusive digital landscape, and ensuring that every trained woman becomes a beacon of change in the tech world.

“To ensure the effective implementation of the initiative, the governor has set up a committee with Mrs Patience Fakai, the state Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, as Chairperson

“The committee also has Juwairah Bashir Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Investment, as member, as well as Mr Abdallah Abdallah, Senior Special Assistant to the governor on News Media.

“Others are Mr Sanusi Ismaila Representative of Kaduna Tech community as member, Mr Shuaibu Bello, Senior Special Assistant to the governor on ICT, as Secretary,” he said