A bold new chapter is unfolding for young women in Lagos, thanks to a powerful initiative by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and his foundation, HopesAlive Initiative for Africa (HAI). The newly launched She-Levate Tech Digital Empowerment Bootcamp is a 16-week intensive training program aimed at bridging the gender gap in Africa’s digital economy.

Held at the HAI center in Gbagada Phase 1, the bootcamp officially kicked off with an emotional and inspiring launch event. The program targets 60 women from underserved communities across Lagos, equipping them with in-demand digital skills, mentorship, and job placement opportunities.

The She-Levate project is powered by HAI in partnership with Edunity.ng and supported by the French Embassy Fund for Civil Society Organizations (FEF-OSC).

“This Is More Than Just a Program—It’s a Movement.”

Speaking at the launch, Her Regal Majesty, Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, who also serves as Deputy Convener of HAI, shared a moving reflection on the project’s deeper impact.

“This is not just another training program, it’s a movement. We are changing lives. When a girl is empowered, she transforms her family, her community, and this entire nation,” she said.

She emphasized the life-changing potential of the bootcamp, urging beneficiaries to give their all.

“Put your heart and soul into it. This is just the beginning. We are taking this movement to more states.”

Raising Digital Queens

Mr. Akapo Olusegun, Head of Programs at HAI, described She-Levate Tech as a vehicle to restore dreams and reclaim the voices of women historically excluded from the tech industry.

Participants will receive hands-on training in six high-demand digital skill areas:

• UI/UX Design (Product Design)

• Frontend Web Development

• Backend Development (Python/Django)

• Data Analytics

• WordPress Web Design

• Digital Marketing

Beyond technical skills, the program includes:

• Mentorship by industry professionals

• Career coaching and internship placements

• Capstone projects

• Alumni network access

HAI has set a goal for at least 70% of graduates to secure meaningful internships or employment after the bootcamp concludes in October 2025.

Empowering Underserved Communities

The initiative specifically targets young women from ten vulnerable communities across six Lagos LGAs, including Bariga, Yaba, Ikorodu, Kosofe, and Mushin.

Before launch, over 120 applicants and 30 community leaders from traditional rulers to youth influencers were engaged through orientation and digital literacy screenings.

“The passion in the eyes of these young women is unforgettable,” said Mr. Akapo. “Their ambition is undeniable, and their communities are rooting for them.”

Driving Sustainable Change

The She-Levate Tech Bootcamp also aligns with key UN Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 4: Quality Education

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

With digital literacy becoming the new currency of opportunity, this initiative is more than empowerment; it’s a blueprint for long-term, inclusive transformation in Lagos and beyond.