THE National Information Technology Development Agency, in partnership with the House of Representatives Spouses Association, has launched a two-day capacity-building programme in Abuja aimed at strengthening the digital leadership skills and emotional well-being of spouses of members of the House of Representatives.
News Point Nigeria reports that the workshop, themed “Empowering Women for the Digital Future: Leadership, Wellbeing and Opportunity,” focuses on digital literacy, cybersecurity awareness, financial empowerment, entrepreneurship and mental resilience, particularly within the demands of public life.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday in Abuja, the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, underscored the importance of emotional stability and mental health for spouses of public office holders, noting that their responsibilities often go unrecognised.
“There are expectations to fulfil, demanding schedules to manage and public scrutiny to navigate. As spouses, we serve as confidantes and pillars of encouragement, providing stability and support away from the spotlight”, she said.
She said recognising mental health as a core element of leadership reflects strength and self-awareness, not weakness, stressing that the pressures associated with public service require deliberate emotional management.
Abbas observed that the office of the Speaker demands patience, resilience and the capacity to listen even in moments of dissent—qualities that spouses experience firsthand and often support through personal sacrifice.
Describing HORSA as more than a ceremonial body, she said the association represents a network of women who understand the realities of life in public service. While public visibility comes with honour, she noted, it also brings scrutiny and added responsibility.
She also drew attention to the growing influence of technology on public engagement, noting that interactions now extend into digital spaces where information spreads rapidly, sometimes without context.
“Misinformation travels swiftly, and our children are increasingly vulnerable to online threats,” she warned, emphasising the need for digital awareness, cyber safety and financial literacy.
Abbas urged participants to move beyond basic use of technology and gain a deeper understanding of digital footprints, privacy protection and responsible online behaviour to safeguard their families and communities.
She commended the inclusion of entrepreneurship and digital economy opportunities in the programme, noting that women’s economic empowerment has far-reaching benefits for households and communities.
In his goodwill message, the Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, described lawmakers’ spouses as key contributors to Nigeria’s governance framework, saying national service extends beyond elected office.
He said they occupy a unique position that blends moral influence, public trust and quiet diplomacy, often serving as a bridge between institutions and citizens.
Gbajabiamila praised the leadership of Fatima Abbas for driving the partnership with NITDA, describing the initiative as timely and essential in an increasingly technology-driven world.
He noted that digital competence is now central to competitiveness, adding that technology has evolved from a supporting instrument to the backbone of modern economies and governance.
According to him, the training complements the digital transformation agenda of President Bola Tinubu, including initiatives such as the 3 Million Technical Talent Programme, designed to equip Nigerians with practical digital skills.
He encouraged participants to treat the workshop as a strategic platform to strengthen their leadership roles and promote digital literacy and innovation in their communities.
The training will conclude on Tuesday with further sessions on cyber protection, financial literacy and expanding women’s participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.