The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has awarded a cash prize of ₦500,000 to the Best Female Innovator at the Dr. Kole Shettima Innovation in Democracy Challenge, reinforcing its commitment to women’s inclusion and gender equity in innovation and democratic development.
The award was announced in Damaturu, Yobe State, at the close of the Challenge, where three winners emerged from ten shortlisted innovators. Notably, none of the initial winners were female.
In response, CITAD’s Executive Director, Engr. Y. Z. Ya’u, announced a special intervention award to recognise and encourage outstanding female participation in the Challenge. The prize amount, ₦500,000, is equal to that awarded to each of the three winners earlier announced by the organisers.
Speaking at the event, Engr. Ya’u emphasized that innovation and democracy cannot thrive if women are excluded, noting that structural barriers continue to limit women’s access to opportunities in technology and civic innovation.
Engr. Ya’u added that CITAD’s decision aligns with its long-standing work in promoting women’s digital inclusion, leadership, and participation in governance, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
The Dr. Kole Shettima Innovation in Democracy Challenge is an initiative designed to identify, support, and scale youth-led innovations that strengthen democracy, accountability, and civic participation across Nigeria and West Africa.
Participants at the event commended CITAD’s intervention, describing it as a timely and powerful statement on the importance of gender inclusion in innovation ecosystems