Over 40 market women have been trained in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in Abuja by the New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD). The training aims at integrating the participants into the ICT world to allow them access to information sources world wide with regard to trading, promoting networking transcending borders, languages and cultures. Solomon Odeka, director planning, monitoring and Evaluations NEPAD Nigeria, representing the Special Adviser to the President on NEPAD stresses that the training would strengthen participatory approaches and creation of new livelihoods for the participants.
According to him, ICT allows faster delivery and more adapted content of technical assistance in a variety of sectors, ranging from long-distance education, telemedicine and environmental management. Odeka further stresses that the workshop organised in conjunction with GM Consults was in line with the decision of the Assembly of African Heads of State and Government of OAU now AU in July 2001. He says 'It's a development framework which strategically aims at revamping the political, socio-economic and cultural aspects of the African continent through deliberate implementation of its plan'
The NEPAD boss notes further, 'It will allow access to information sources world wide, promoting networking transcending borders, languages and cultures, foster empowerment of communities, women, youth and socially disadvantaged groups, and help spread knowledge about best practices and experience.'
