Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has charged young women to embrace technology and innovation, while championing their role as future change-makers.

Speaking in Ilorin, the state capital, at the SHE CREATES summer camp, a non-residential STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) programme organised by W.TEC (Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre), the State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olorungbebe, expressed pride in the girls’ engagement with innovation, emphasising their emerging role in reshaping the tech landscape.

Represented by the Director of Human Capital Development, Mrs. Wumi Oludare, the Commissioner congratulated the graduates on the tech skills they’ve acquired and reminded them that their participation helps in closing gender gaps in technology, while empowering them to address societal challenges.

The Programme Coordinator of the Chidimma and Havilah Foundation (CHF), Pastor Femi Ogunsola, said the foundation sponsored three girls to participate in the She Creates Summer Camp, with the aim of equipping them with basic technology skills and preparing them to become tech-savvy.

He reiterated the foundation’s unwavering commitment to championing the cause of the adolescent girl child, empowering them to excel academically, socially, and professionally.

Pastor Ogunsola further reaffirmed the foundation’s desire to sponsor an even greater number of adolescent girls for next year’s programme, in order to broaden the reach and impact of this life-changing initiative.

He expressed optimism that such opportunities will inspire the beneficiaries to embrace innovation, pursue their dreams without limitations, and become role models for others in their communities.

An educationist, Mrs. Khadijat Idris, urged young girls to always seek validation from their parents, even when they feel uncomfortable, charging them to make their parents best friends and allies in their growth.

W.TEC’s Kwara Coordinator, Mrs. Ibiyeye Temitope Kaothar, said “ since launching SHE CREATES in Kwara, our programs, including this camp are opening doors for girls in tech across the state. Parents should seize the opportunity to enroll their daughters in future editions.”

She said: “W.TEC has been in existence for the past 17 years, operating in Lagos and other states. We came to Kwara in 2017 with the endorsement of the State Ministry of Education, and by 2018, we began our operations in the state. This is the second She Creates Camp we are hosting here.”

She added that this year’s camp hosted 10 female students, who participated in a five-day non-residential programme, learning skills such as AI applications, web design, and more.

According to her, the camp serves as an opportunity to introduce participants to digital literacy at an early stage, while building and instilling in them the self-confidence they can carry wherever they go.

A trainer with W.TEC, Mrs. Ibrahim Tolulope, said “ Over five days, the girls explored tech and graphics skills. We’re currently working in 15 government schools across Ilorin and Offa, reaching around 30 schools statewide.”

Miss Taiwo Adejare Omotosho, an SS3 student of Brilliant Star School, Tanke, said the camp was a perfect blend of fun and discovery.

Omotosho said: “I’m excited to return next year, another five days to dive deeper into tech and be inspired.”

AbdulAzeez Aisha Oyinkansola, an SS3 student of Access World Diamond Academic, Atiku Road, Adewole, said “ The graphics design training was fascinating! I learned how to bring digital art to life, and I can’t wait to create more.”

Maryam Ahmed, the camp’s best graduate, expressed gratitude, saying that “ Thank you, W.TEC, for this empowering experience. The skills and confidence I’ve gained will guide my next steps and I hope to pay it forward by uplifting others.”

END

From Lateef Taiwo with Correspondent Report

Bauchi state Governor Bala Mohammed has called on youths to engage in skill acquisition and entrepreneurship as pathways to self-reliance and improved livelihoods.

He made the call during the 2025 Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Conference (NATC) in Bauchi.

The governor,who was represented by Mohammed Salis, the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Investment, urged youths to shift focus from seeking government jobs to exploring business development and vocational skills.

“Our administration places a high premium on skill acquisition programmes and the establishment of technical schools.

“We are always ready to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and local artisans to grow their skills and businesses,” he said.

Mohammed, who lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing policies aimed at creating opportunities for SMEs, called for the continuation of impactful programmes that aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.

The Convener of NATC 2025, Mr Dayo Bello, explained that the conference aimed to bridge the gap between the informal sector and government institution

Bello,who is the Managing Director of Global Sight Services Limited, said that the forum would help align artisans’ development with the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the Tinubu administration.

Also speaking, Mr Zakari Ibrahim from Industrial Development Department of Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, urged artisans to register with relevant authorities to benefit from federal government interventions and regulatory guidance

By Aaior K. Comfort

Ramon Abbas, known as Hushpuppi, the Nigerian social media influencer serving an 11-year prison sentence in the United States for international fraud, may struggle to rebuild his life post-incarceration, according to cybersecurity consultant and former FBI most-wanted cybercriminal Brett Johnson. Speaking at the GITEX Global event in Dubai, Johnson expressed doubt over Abbas’s prospects for a second chance due to systemic barriers.

Johnson, who turned his own life around after serving time for cybercrime and now works with companies like Microsoft, highlighted disparities that could prevent Abbas from enjoying similar opportunities. “Hushpuppi may never get the second chance I did,” Johnson said, citing the influence of racial and socio-economic factors. “Where he is from will likely affect his opportunities for rehabilitation,” he added.

Abbas, who amassed over two million followers on Instagram by flaunting a lavish lifestyle allegedly funded through extensive fraud schemes, has faced global scrutiny since his 2020 arrest in Dubai. Johnson, reflecting on his own transformation, advised Abbas to use his time in prison as a period of self-reflection and growth, noting, “Whatever you want to change, you have the opportunity to change that in prison.”

The cybersecurity expert acknowledged that while societal biases may complicate Abbas’s future, personal growth remains achievable. “It’s better to help people than to hurt people,” Johnson said, underscoring the importance of rehabilitation over punishment in the justice system.