SheLevate Bootcamp: Lagos Govt Urges Digital Queens To Chart New Course In Tech

Commissioner for Youth and Social Development in Lagos State, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende Abubakre, has urged the newly graduated participants of the SheLevate Tech Digital Empowerment Bootcamp to make use of the opportunity avail to them by the Hopesalive Initiative for Africa, and French Embassy as they begin their career in tech development.

The Commissioner was one of the special guests who graced the graduation ceremony of 60 beneficiaries of the bootcamp put together by the Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) of Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan-Ogunwusi and the French Embassy in Nigeria which supported through FEF-OSC Grant.

The ceremony was held on Friday at the ACEDHARS Building inside the University of Lagos in Akoka.

The Commissioner enjoined the Digital Queens that they must own and take the digital space with pride, adding that there are lots of opportunities that they stand to get from the tech world if only they can be focused, determined and resourceful.

According to Commissioner Ogunlende, the SheLevate Bootcamp graduates have graduated to take something big and worthwhile from the digital space, a choice they have made that would henceforth determine their future.

“I want you to make use of the opportunity Hopesalive Initiative for Africa and the French Embassy have given you to play on the digital space,” he said.

Mr Olusegun Akapo, the Project Director of the SheLevate Bootcamp said the graduation was not just the close of the program, but the beginning of a movement and new possibilities.

“I am glad that these Digital Queens came in with questions, but they are leaving today with answers, confidence, one built on courage, resilience and transformation,” Akapo said.

To the Deputy Convener of HAI Africa, Her Regal Majesty, Ambassador Dr Queen Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, beyond the skills all the Digital Queens have acquired in the last 16 weeks of intensive tech training, “what we celebrate today is a transformation of mindset, confidence and vision. Each of these young women now carries the power to innovate, to inspire and to influence the world around them.

“I am incredible proud of you girls. You started this journey as learners, and today, you stand as leaders. The future is calling you to create, to innovate and to use technology as a force for good.

“Remember, SheLevate Tech was never just about coding or design; it was about
discovering your power, the power to build, to lead, and to elevate others as you rise,” the Queen while also eulogised the support the program has been receiving from His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan-Ogunwusi.

The Queen told her audience that though the participants might be undeserved in society, HAI Africa sees the future in these ladies.

Awards, cash gifts and gifts of laptops were given to outstanding participants during the graduation ceremony that have parents of the beneficiaries in attendance.