Makinde’s Wife Tasks Women on AI Adoption, Digital Skills

…As Expert highlights mental health in leadership as Dabo seeks unity among women

…Adetuberu advocates mental wellness as Dabo calls for stronger female support networks

The Wife of Oyo State Governor, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde has urged women to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools as a pathway to personal growth, business development, and professional advancement.

This charge was delivered by the Head of Service, Mrs. Tamunumini Olubunmi Oni, who represented the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Tamunumini Makinde, at the Oyo Women Digital Inclusion programme themed “AI Revolution Leadership Momentum.”

The event was organized by Hon. Ramota Agberemi Dabo (RAD) and held at the Local Government Training School Hall, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Speaking at the event, Oni described the training session as “engaging and impactful,” noting the enthusiasm of participants eager to adapt to the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

She commended Hon. Dabo for what she described as a “laudable initiative” aimed at equipping women with practical digital knowledge and skills that can improve their businesses, careers, and daily lives.

Highlighting the growing importance of artificial intelligence, Oni explained that tools such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini are transforming how people work, learn, and communicate.

She emphasized that these technologies are no longer distant innovations but accessible resources that enhance productivity and growth.

“As women, we must not be left behind,” she said, encouraging professionals, entrepreneurs, and civil servants to leverage AI tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness in their respective fields.

The Head of Service also recommended workplace applications such as Microsoft Copilot and Grammarly, noting that they can support writing, planning, communication, and decision-making processes.

For business owners, she pointed to AI-powered platforms like Canva and Meta Business Suite as valuable tools for marketing, customer engagement, and streamlining operations.

She added that applying knowledge gained from the training could help participants expand their customer base, strengthen brand visibility, and explore new income opportunities.

Oni further highlighted the relevance of AI in everyday life, citing tools such as Amazon Alexa for managing schedules and reminders, as well as applications like Forecast Guard for tracking expenses and managing household budgets.

She urged participants to take full advantage of the training by learning actively, asking questions, and consistently applying newly acquired skills.

“Do not be intimidated by digital changes. See them as opportunities for growth, innovation, and empowerment,” she advised.

The Head of Service also commended Hon. Dabo and members of the Baby Blue Angels Foundation for their dedication to empowering women through digital education.

She encouraged women to support one another, stressing that unity among women leads to stronger families, communities, and a brighter future for coming generations.

In her lecture, Title: Leading Ladies Shaping the Future, The Guest Lecturer, Dr. Funke Adetuberu emphasized the importance of emotional and psychological well-being as a foundation for effective leadership and personal success.

She stressed that unresolved emotional pain and trauma can hinder personal growth and leadership capacity

According to her, individuals who are mentally and emotionally burdened often struggle to lead effectively or maintain healthy relationships.

“You cannot lead others when you are hurting. When you are bleeding emotionally, it reflects in how you treat people around you,” she said.

Adetuberu noted that many women face challenges such as rejection, abandonment, and low self-esteem, which can negatively influence their decision-making and overall well-being if left unaddressed.

She strongly advocated for therapy, describing it as essential for healing and self-development.

“Therapy is life. It gives you the strength and clarity to bounce back and become productive,” she stated.

The mental health expert further explained that unresolved personal issues often manifest in everyday interactions, including workplaces and businesses, where individuals may unknowingly transfer their frustrations onto others.

Highlighting the broader impact of mental health, she maintained that success is difficult to achieve without emotional stability, regardless of one’s physical abilities or circumstances.

She therefore urged women to prioritize their mental health, seek professional help when necessary, and commit to personal healing as a critical step toward becoming effective leaders and contributors to society.

Earlier in her welcome address, The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Local government and Chieftaincy matter, Hon. Ramota Dabo called for stronger support among women and greater inclusion in leadership, while emphasizing the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in today’s world.

She explained that the initiative was designed to bring together “great women” across Oyo State, particularly those contributing to society outside the political space.

Hon. Dabo explained that the initiative was designed to bring together “great women” across Oyo State, particularly those contributing to society outside the political space.

She called for increased solidarity among women, urging them to support, mentor, and invest in one another, especially from the grassroots level.

Dabo further highlighted financial constraints as another barrier, noting that while men often pool resources to support one another, women have yet to fully adopt similar collaborative approaches.

She therefore advocated for the emergence of more female mentors and sponsors who can support women in leadership, politics, and other areas of influence.

Emphasizing that women are natural leaders in homes and communities, Dabo encouraged participants to build stronger networks of support that would enable more women to rise to positions of authority.

She urged women to celebrate themselves, strengthen their unity, and take deliberate steps toward achieving greater representation in leadership at all levels.

The dignitaries at the event are; Honourable representing Ibadan North State constituency I, Hon. Comforter Olajide, Hon. Oluranti from Ogbomosho state constituency, The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Local government and Chieftaincy matter, Hon. Ramota Dabo, and some other dignitaries.