Google has entered an agreement with the Kaduna state government to train 5,000 women and girls in data science, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurial application of digital technologies.

According to a statement issued on Monday by Muhammad Lawal Shehu, the chief press secretary to the Kaduna state governor, the initiative is part of a broader skills development programme supported by Google, which aims at empowering 20,000 more women and young people across Nigeria.

The statement also reveals that the programme will be executed by which will set up Arewa Tech4 Ladies.

The initiative is to serve four semi-urban and rural communities in Kaduna state.

To ensure the effective implementation of the initiative, Governor Uba Sani has set up a committee of five with Patience Fakai, commissioner, business innovation and technology, as the chairperson, while special advisors on investment, new media, representative of Kaduna tech, and special adviser on ICT are members.

Olumide Balogun, Google director for West Africa, said, “the future of tech in Nigeria hinges on tapping into the potential of every individual irrespective of gender.”

According to him, the collaboration with Kaduna state government “is a testimony of unwavering belief in the transformative power of women in technology with the support of Google.org.”