IGBINEDION UNIVERSITY partners EDSG-MDEST to Train Women and Minority Groups on Digital and Financial Literacy.
Nigeria’s premier private university, Igbinedion University Okada, has reiterated its dedication to working with relevant state and non-state organizations to help minorities and women become more financially and digitally literate.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, PhD, FAS, made this call while addressing participants at a one-day workshop on digital and financial literacy for women and minority groups in the South-South Zone of Nigeria in collaboration with the Edo State Government and Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom.
Prof. Ezemonye, who was represented by Dr. Patience Ozor, stated that the workshop collaboration was the result of research at Igbinedion University, which found that the majority of women in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria do not know how to conduct business or perform basic transactions using their mobile phones or other online platforms, hence the need to work with the Edo State Government through the Ministry of Digital Economy, Science, and Technology.
According to him, “digital and financial literacy are crucial for women and minorities in less developed countries. These skills can empower individuals to take control of their financial futures, start businesses, and access new markets and opportunities.
Digital literacy enables individuals to use technology effectively, including accessing information, communicating, and using financial services. With digital skills, women and minorities can overcome barriers to financial inclusion and access financial products and services that were previously unavailable’.
The University Don stressed that “financial literacy, on the other hand, equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions. This includes understanding basic financial concepts like budgeting, saving, and investing. With financial literacy, women and minorities can make better decisions about managing their money, starting businesses, and investing in education or other opportunities.
Overall, digital and financial literacy are essential tools for unlocking economic and social opportunities for women and minorities in less developed countries.”
On her part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy, Science, and Technology, Yuwa Naps, while delivering her welcome address, stated that women in Edo State need to upgrade to the world’s best ways of carrying out their business transactions, adding that mothers need basic technological skills to be successful women.
The Head of Trade Promotions and Digital Marketing, Ministry of Business Trade and Cooperatives, Mrs. Evelyn Nekpen Imode, delivered a lecture on “Money and Transaction”, stating that the fundamentals of financial and digital literacy are essential skills that empower individuals to make informed financial decisions in the digital age.
Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on the Edo State Transformation and Enhancement Project (EdoSTEP) Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, Arabome Eboseremen Joy, gave a robust lecture on financial management and goal setting as a way of ensuring financial stability and independence.
“Being technologically savvy will put you ahead of any future cash crunch crises that may occur. The world has gone beyond just using social media for fun or entertainment; there is a need to maximize the basic tech tools in managing our money and business, which is why this workshop is apt
