Kwara State Government says the next phase of the Tech 4 Market Women initiative will focus on mentorship and community building, as efforts continue to support women traders with practical digital skills. The disclosure was made as the state reiterated its commitment to inclusive economic growth through technology driven programmes.
The Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, stated this while receiving the AY Community and Tumishe Johnson Household Foundation on a courtesy visit to her office to discuss the Tech 4 Market Women initiative. She said the programme aligns with the vision of the present administration of AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to empower women, strengthen the informal sector, and deepen financial inclusion through innovation.
According to the Commissioner, training market women in financial literacy and internet usage is critical to improving productivity and helping traders access digital financial services. She explained that such knowledge enables women in the markets to adapt to the evolving digital economy.
She emphasised that technology remains a key tool for transforming micro and small businesses across Kwara State, noting that many traders can grow income and improve record keeping when equipped with simple digital tools.
Hon. Adelodun assured the delegation of the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with credible partners to scale up similar initiatives. She said the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology would continue to support programmes that directly impact market women and promote sustainable economic development across communities.
Speaking on behalf of the AY Community and Tumishe Johnson Household Foundation, Solomon Adami thanked the Commissioner for the warm reception and expressed appreciation for her openness to the engagement. He sought the support and partnership of the Kwara State Government to further strengthen and expand the Tech 4 Market Women initiative.
Adami disclosed that the initiative has successfully trained 220 market women across selected markets within the Ilorin metropolis. He said the training focused on practical financial literacy, basic internet usage, and the use of simple digital tools to support daily trading activities.
He further revealed that the next phase will focus on mentorship and community building, providing continuous guidance, peer learning, and support for trained women across Kwara State going forward.
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