Nike
The Plateau State Government has commended Zuestech, an indigenous Tech Company, for introducing an ICT training program aimed at empowering women with Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills to keep pace with global technological advancements.
The state government also revealed its plans to train an additional 5,000 women in ICT/AI.
During the official launch of JUMM.AI, an innovative application designed to facilitate women’s entry into the digital economy through AI, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Caroline Panglang Dafur, emphasized the importance and timeliness of the initiative, foreseeing its positive impact on women’s development in the rapidly evolving ICT/AI landscape.
Hon Dafur stated, “This training is going to bring a lot to the table because I want to first appreciate GIEVA and Zuestech for this wonderful initiative, for prioritizing the training of women. This will greatly benefit them in enhancing their businesses. In today’s tech-driven world, we cannot afford to lag behind.”
A cross section of participants after the training programme
She further highlighted the government’s commitment to the initiative.
“Plateau women need to seize this opportunity, just like His Excellency Barrister Caleb Mutfwang who has fully supported this initiative. We have already allocated funds in our budget and work documents to train up to 5,000 women and young girls in tech.” She said.
The state Commissioner of Science, Technology and Innovation Prof. Goselle Obed Najul, applauded the program’s significance and its alignment with Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s vision for comprehensive development.
He stressed the importance of equipping women, especially the younger generation, with knowledge of Artificial Intelligence to bridge technological gaps in the state.
He stated, “It stems from the understanding that there’s a need to equip women, and especially the younger generation, to understand the operations of Artificial Intelligence. There’s the need to empower women, there’s the need to also leverage on technology to be able to develop every facet of the seven-point agenda he itemized.
“So with the Zuestech company, in conjunction with their partners, putting up a program and winning the grant from the Microsoft.org, it is more of a beautiful initiative that has not only elevated the standing of Plateau State but also that of Nigeria, because I understand that it is the only company that has won that particular grant in Africa.”
The CEO of Zuestech, Mr. Timothy Dake, discussed the company’s mission and the importance of training women in Plateau State, emphasizing the transformative impact of digital empowerment on women’s economic participation and the state’s development.
He said: “We are about software development and also software training. And then we are the winner for the generative AI challenge by Microsoft and data.org. So that is why we came in to train these women on the use of AI to promote their businesses.” He emphasized.
Participants of the training program also shared their positive experiences and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to enhance their skills and explore new business prospects.
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