Her Regal Majesty Dr. Olori Temitope Enitan Ogunwusi, Deputy Convener of the HopesAlive Initiative for Africa, has called on young women across the continent to believe in themselves, pursue excellence, and keep breaking barriers through technology and innovation.
She made the call at the graduation ceremony of the SheLevate Tech Digital Empowerment Bootcamp in Lagos, themed Empowered to Lead: Women Shaping Africa’s Digital Future. The programme, organised under the HopesAlive Initiative for Africa and supported by the French Embassy in Nigeria through the FEF-OSC Grant, trained sixty women in digital fields including UI and UX design, front and backend development, data analytics, WordPress web design, and digital marketing.
Addressing the graduates, Olori Temitope praised their resilience and determination, describing them as shining examples of courage and progress. She urged them to go out and achieve what others consider impossible, reminding them that they now possess the knowledge and skills to shape their future.
Expressing deep gratitude to her husband, His Imperial Majesty the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, she acknowledged his unwavering support for women and youth empowerment, calling him the true inspiration behind the HopesAlive Initiative. She said his lifelong passion for humanitarian service continues to motivate her and others within the organisation.
The Project Manager of SheLevate Tech, Mr. Akapo Olusegun, said the event marked not just the end of a training programme but the beginning of a movement grounded in resilience and transformation. He encouraged the graduates to see their certificates as symbols of creativity and endurance, and to use their newly acquired digital skills to build solutions and mentor others.
Guest speaker and CEO of Rheytrack Limited, Mrs. Eno Essien, urged the young women to channel their skills toward innovation and positive change, stressing that true impact comes when technology is combined with empathy and purpose. She applauded the organisers for creating a platform that empowers women from underserved communities to rise, lead, and innovate.
She noted that the digital era is moving swiftly with automation and artificial intelligence, but that opportunities remain abundant for women who are ready to learn and adapt. “Tech is not about gender,” she said. “Success is about grit, growth, and grace.”
Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to embrace the future with confidence and determination. He reminded them that artificial intelligence has come to stay and urged women to seize the opportunities it presents.
He assured the graduates that with their new skills, they are now better positioned to access employment and contribute to Lagos State’s development. “Impossible is nothing,” he said. “Nothing is stopping you from doing what you need to do.”
The event concluded with the presentation of awards and cash gifts to outstanding participants who excelled in their digital projects, with several recipients also receiving brand new laptops to further their tech journey.
