IWD: Uniformed women should embrace technology in careers — Banker
The Head of Women Banking in Access Bank, Mrs Abiodun Olubitan, has urged women in uniform to embrace technology in their careers to stand out and achieve more success.
Olubitan made this disclosure during the 2023 International Women’s Day Celebration with the Theme: Digit All: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality, organised by the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC in Lagos.
She said that women should continue developing themselves by embracing technology.
By: Bisi Akingbade
Olubitan said technology was a new oil trending, adding that there was need to be digitalised to remain in business.
“Access Bank collaborated with a driving school and trained over 100 women to be professional drivers who make driving a surviving skill in Nigeria now.
“We have trained over 100 women who drive commercial buses while some have engaged in advance courses to drive heavy duty buses.
“Access Bank is one of the most gender-friendly banks in Africa because supporting women is the right thing to do,” Olubitan said.
In his welcome address, the Lagos Sector Commander, FRSC), Corps Commander, Babatunde Farinloye,
Welcomed uniform women to the third edition of IWD celebration behalf of the Corps Marshal, FRSC Corps Marshal Dauda Biu.
Farinloye said that the Federal Road Safety Corps Lagos Sector Command collaborated with notable organisations to mark the annual International Women’s Day Celebration.
"It is not out of place when this year’s occasion is themed “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for gender equality”
The maiden edition of this event came up on 8th March 2021 at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Ikeja with the theme Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in COVID-19 World (Choose to Challenge).
"In attendance were dignitaries like the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and Secretary to State Government Mrs Titilayo Jaji who were ably represented at the event.
"Also at the event was Mrs Morayo Afolabi-Brown, the host of “Your View” on TVC. The event had a total attendance of 110 women from different uniform agencies.
"The second edition came up on 9th March, 2022 at Radisson Hotel, Ikeja GRA with a total attendance of 92 participants, the first female Rear Admiral in Nigeria and Africa, Rear Admiral Itunu Hotonou (Rtd), Pastor Itua Ighodalo of Trinity House, Deputy Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs DCG Mulikat Adegoke (Rtd) and a host of others.
"Today like we did in 2021 and 2022, we are gathered here in a spirit of celebration, to recognise the manifestly beneficial and vital achievements and contributions of our great country’s," Farinloye said.
He commended the inspirational women especially the ones in uniform who sacrifice their comforts, families and ultimately risking their lives in the line of duty to ensure the security and safety of our dear brothers and sister, fathers and mothers and the general citizens.
According to him, I don’t know about you, but for me I believe 100 per cent without the slightest modicum of bias that women were the pillars of the society.
Farinloye said that when women were empowered, the whole world was empowered.
He, however, said that the traditional Nigerian indigenous community believes that the woman’s role is predominantly in the home where she was expected to act as a wife, mother and housekeeper.
Farinloye said that Nigerian women had continued to evolve since the pre-colonial era, their continuous portrayal as the helpless, oppressed and marginalised lot has led to little recognition being given to them in history.
He said that presently, women were beginning to break out of such stereotypes adding that it was particularly evident in their achievements in the various fields of endeavors which they now engage in.
"To appreciate the inclusiveness of women in nation building let us go down memory lane to recognise the contributions of some of our amazing women both living and dead who have left their mark on the sands of times through amazing things that they have done.
"Without prejudice to the immense contributions of women in other fields of endeavor (Banking, Medicine, Judiciary, Engineering, Sport, Music etc.) who are not in uniform to building our country.
"For the purpose of today’s celebration to appreciate the positive contributions of our women in uniform past and present also to Nation building for I believe this is one area of women chosen endeavors that has suffered less coverage and reporting.
" I will like us all to celebrate today as we remember and celebrate our dear Late Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile. Until “Tolu’s” death, as a flying officer, she contributed significantly to combat operations against insecurity in the Northern states of Nigeria.
"We remember and appreciate Mrs Patience Ibekwe, Mrs Ivy Uche Okoronkwo; both women contributed significantly as the earliest and first sets of women who rose to the ranks of Deputy Inspector General of Police in their times.
"The accolades will not be complete without the mention of Rtd. Major Gen. Aderonke Kale; the first female Major General and the first Army Psychiatrist.
"We are lucky to have in our midst today our dear serving Rear Admiral Itunu Hotonu. She is one of the first female generals and the first female architect to join the Nigeria Army," Farinloye said.
He added that women have also broken the barrier of stereotype in FRSC today as it had a record of three female to rise to the rank of a Deputy Corps Marshal including DCM Ojeme Ewhrudjakpor (Rtd), DCM Ann Marjah (Rtd) and DCM Susan Ajenge.
Farinloye said that giving priority to women was not an option adding that it was a necessity
A Major, 9 Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army, Oluwafunmilayo Adesote, also spoke at the event.
He commended the dedication and focus of Nigerian uniformed women for keeping their home front as well as contributing to the development of Nigeria.
Adesote appreciated woman in Nigeria and encouraged them to mentor other women to make use of technology to better their careers.
“Nigerian Army has really supported women in attaining the peak of their careers, as a Major General, Units Heads etc.
” Innovation has helped women in uniform to reach a greater height in their various disciplines.
“Women in uniform have been able to get additional certificate and knowledge online without stepping out of their offices,” Adesote said.
A Chief Superintendent of Police, (CSP), Mrs Enuebimi Omokunle, encouraged women to continue respecting their husbands and be good ambassadors to other females.
The Chief Executive Officer, Cornerstone Bedding, Miss Temidayo Ogunleke, said that most women were laid back because they did not utilise technology.
Ogunleke advised women to take technology courses to enable them to improve in their respective businesses.
She appreciated the fast adoption of technology by women lately, pleading with them to do more.
Ogunleke said Nigerians buy China products due to their technology innovation.
She said that there was need to embrace technology in order to do greater things together
Rear Admiral Itunu Hotonu (Rtd) first female Rear Admiral in Nigeria and her Husband Mr Yomi Hotonu also joined the event via zoom, encouraging women in uniform to work as a team with their spouses. “It’s just a job, don’t let it take away your home, remember one day you will retire” Yomi Hotonu said.
The Deputy Corps Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Lagos, Mrs Emma Fekoya, in her closing remarks commended the efforts of the uniformed women who participated in the 2023 International Day Celebration.
Fekoya urged women in Nigeria to go more digital in improving their careers as well as every other aspect of their lives.
She said that women in FRSC were technologically driven in the course of their duties.
Fekoya said celebrating women in uniform was to encourage one another and remind everyone to embrace technology in their careers.
The Rear admiral (Rtd) further encouraged the participants to always communicate with their spouses when making decisions.
