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eBusiness Life Girls in ICT: Corporates Charge Girls on Future ICT Careers
Young girls have been charged to prepare themselves for future careers that will be premised on ICT knowledge and expertise.
L-R: Head of Contact Center, Globacom Limited, Kemi Fadipe; Manager, South-West Zonal office, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mrs. Jumoke Alaka, who represented the Director General of the Agency, Dr. Inuwa Abdulahi; Convener, Girls-In-ICT/CEO, e-Business Life Communication Limited, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro; and Deputy Director, Head Corporate Communication, NCC, Nnenna Ukoha, who represented the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida at the just-concluded eBusiness Life Int’l Girls in ICT Day Celebration held in Lagos
Speaking at the International Girls in ICT event organised by eBusiness Life Communications Limited last Thursday, corporate organisations that gathered for the 12th edition of the year long campaign spoke on diverse expectations from the young girls, and how to position them to bridge the gender gap in the ICT career field.
In his keynote address at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Head Corporate Communication, NCC, Nnenna Ukoha, noted that there is a need to provide girls with quality STEM education as a means of bridging the gender divide, while also challenging the gender stereotype; and provide positive role models for young girls to look up to.
Quoting the Global Gender Gap Report (2023), which states that women comprise only 29.2% of STEM workforce in 146 nations evaluated, compared to nearly 50% on non-STEM occupations, Dr. Maida lamented the “underrepresentation of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
“As we look around us, we witness the impactful influence of technology in all facets of our existence. Technology, from communications to healthcare, education to entertainment, has emerged as the primary catalyst for advancement and growth. Nonetheless, despite the significant progress we have achieved, there is a noticeable gender gap in the ICT sector.”
Referencing the 2024 theme, Leadership’’, Convener, Girls-In-ICT/CEO, e-Business Life Communication Limited, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro, noted: “While there is a leadership gender gap in every industry, the largest gaps are found in the STEM fields. Women in ICT often find themselves in junior or support roles rather than in managerial roles, with little opportunity for advancement. They are also less likely to hold an executive position, become ICT entrepreneurs, or be represented among science and technology policymakers.
She noted that ICT holds limitless possibilities, especially for women. “It is a realm where creativity knows no bounds, innovation thrives, and dreams are transformed into reality through lines of code and digital solutions. Yet, despite its vast potential, the representation of women in this field remains disproportionately low.
Today, we challenge that narrative. We stand united to break down barriers, defy stereotypes, and pave the way for a future where every girl, regardless of background or circumstance, feels empowered to pursue her passion for technology.”
Young women and girls need to see themselves as change-makers in the field, and they need to be able to see clear routes to become leaders in the field.”
In a virtual message from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the Secretary General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin explained that the 2024 theme, “Leadership”, speaks to more than holding a job title or position of power, but about harnessing the power of ideas and innovation, and the ability to navigate change with confidence even as a student.
She said that as the world continues to experience tremendous unprecedented digital transformation with the rise of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies, it cannot afford to leave girls and women, which represent 50%, behind.
“It is high time to turn all this around. To all the young girls out there, the tech sector needs you. Your ideas, creativity, and perspectives are essential if gender equality will become a reality. We need you to step into leading roles to challenge the stereotypes, and to contribute to building a better future that benefits everyone.”
Head of Contact Center, Globacom Limited, Kemi Fadipe noted that the event not only pursues individual development, but also crucial for fostering gender equality and societal progress. She charged the students to get more serious with excellence in STEM subjects to excel in male dominated fields. She encouraged them on critical thinking and problem solving, which is essential in addressing complex challenges and driving innovation, among other things that make up good leadership, including truthfulness, resilience, objectivity, inspiring, sense of purpose, strategic thinking, integrity, honesty and ethical behavior.
Deputy Managing Director/COO, VDT Communications, Bimbo Ikumariegbe, while charging the girls to be focused in their choice, as making the wrong choice of online may ruin them and foil their chances of becoming great leaders. “Look to the future and ask yourself ‘can I get there?’”
In her submission, the Business Development Manager at inq Digital, Sandra Nwaigwe, encouraged the young girls to start building up themselves for the future. According to her: “As young people, you need to find your best feet in ICT so that when the time comes you will be able to raise your head so high like the women that have done great things.”
Awards were also given to deserving corporate and individuals that have distinguished themselves in grooming young girls and helping them to upskill.
The reciepients were the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); Digital Strategist & Founder, MissTechy – Nigeria’s Female Tech Blog, Ayeni Oluwatobi Dorcas, also known professionally as Miss Techy; and Head of Network and Solutions at Information Connectivity Solutions Limited (ICSL), Tinuade Oguntuyi.
Receiving the corporate Award on behalf of the NITDA DG, Manager, South-West Zonal office, Mrs. Jumoke Alaka, appreciated the organisers and pledged the Agency’s commitment towards encouraging girls in the area of STEM and ICT career.
Activities at the event included STEM Quiz and Vlogging competitions; Students roundtable, which was anchored by foremost journalist, Louisa Olaniyi, random quiz and entertainments.
In the Vlogging competition, moderated by tech enthusiast, Digital Strategist and Founder, ‘MissTechy’ – Nigeria’s top Female Tech Blog, Oluwatobi Ayeni, Reagan Memorial Baptist Girls Secondary School, Yaba to the First Prize, while the Second and Third Prizes went to Chrisland College, Ikeja and The Lagoon School, Lekki.
In the STEM Quiz Competition, the top prize went to The Lagoon School, Lekki, while Baptist Girls Academy, Obanikoro and Government Senior College, Agege settled for the 2nd and 3rd positions.
Partners with eBusiness Life Communication Limited for this year’s event included the NCC, NITDA, Globacom, Digital Encode, VDT Communications, Digital Realty, Huawei Technologies, Inq Digital, and CocaCola.
The Lagos State Governor, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commended Africa’s leading e-commerce platform, Jumia Nigeria, for its giant strides and in the growth of the country’s e-commerce sector, as well as its unique contributions to its economic development.
He said that Jumia has earned its place as a major brand, with its growth and trajectory in the country’s e-commerce ecosystem over the years which, he said, has made it a household name. He urged the company to not only strive to maintain its excellent service standards, but to also work towards improving them.
The Governor who was speaking during a courtesy visit by the management of Jumia Nigeria to the State House in Marina on Thursday March 27, reaffirmed the strategic importance of the company in the economic development of Lagos State and Nigeria, especially in job creation.
He restated his administration’s commitment in ensuring that Lagos State remains environmentally friendly for businesses to grow.
“Our administration has always prioritized creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Through various initiatives, we have strengthened the ease of doing business, and fostered innovation to drive economic growth, and we will continue to support businesses and create opportunities that will aid in their growth”, Sanwo-Olu said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said that the Lagos State Government remains open to collaborations with the private sector to enhance service delivery, infrastructure development, and create opportunities for residents, with the aim of building a resilient and sustainable future.
He said the administration recognises the importance of working with the private sector to achieve its goals of improving the lives of its citizens.
Speaking also, the Chief Executive Officer of Jumia Nigeria, Sunil Natraj, thanked the governor for creating an enabling environment in the state for businesses like Jumia to grow. He stated Jumia’s commitment to contributing towards the growth and development of the state, and the country.
Natraj said the company has made tremendous strides from its early days as a tech start-up in Lagos and has grown to become the number one e-commerce platform in Nigeria, with a presence in nine African countries. He said the company presently employs hundreds of Nigerians directly, and thousands more indirectly as independent sales agents and partners.
He restated Jumia Nigeria’s commitment to providing excellent service, focusing on delivering exceptional value and fostering long-term relationships with its customers around the country.
Among other things, he said the company is actively working to enhance customer experience, aiming to simplify the e-commerce process, making it easier for customers to navigate and shop online.
According to him, Jumia aims to transform everyday life in Africa by making it easier for consumers to access goods and services conveniently and affordably, adding that the company is focused on expanding access to retail across the country.
Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has announced its readiness for the capital market with an Initial Public Offer (IPO) now in the final stage.
Mr. Olugbenga Oluwaniyi, chief finance and investor relations officer (CFIO), NNPC, stated this at a consultative meeting with partners at the NNPC Towers, Abuja, on Thursday.
He said the move aligned with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.
He said NNPCL was currently engaging with prospective partners in an exercise tagged: “NNPC Ltd. IPO Beauty Parade” in line with capital market regulations before the commencement of the IPO.
According to the CFIO, the aim of the IPO Beauty Parade is to assess potential partners and determine in what ways they could be of support to the company.
He listed the areas of partnership required to include Investor Relations, IPO Readiness Advisors, and Investment Bank Partners.
He said the company with the best offer in terms of project partnership would be selected for each of the three categories.
The PIA provides for NNPCL to list its shares in the capital market in line with the provisions of the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 1990.
Federal High Court in the Bwari Judicial Division has thrown out a case of fraud filed against the Chairman of Zinox Technologies, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, his wife, Chioma Ekeh, and 11 others.
Femi Falana and Leo Stan Ekeh
This is the umpteenth time.
The latest is the dismissal of the suit by Justice Akpan Okon Ebong of the FCT High Court, who struck out the case filed by Mr. Femi Falana SAN, purporting to act on a fiat donated to him by Mr. Lateef Fagbemi SAN, attorney general and minister of Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, against Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman of Zinox Technologies, and 12 others.
The other defendants are Mr. Chris Eze Ozims, Oyebode Folashade, Charles Adigwe, Obilo Onuoha, Agartha Ukoha, Anya O. Anya, Femi Dosumu, Nnenna Kalu, Admas Digital Technologies Limited, Technology Distributions Limited and Zinox Technologies Limited.
In the suit No. FCT/HC/CR/985/24 filed in November 2024, Falana, on behalf of his client, Benjamin Joseph, the CEO of Citadel Oracle Concept Limited, an Ibadan-based computer firm, filed charges against Ekeh, 9 other individuals and 3 companies before the Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly diverting N162,247,513.80 being payment for laptop supply contract at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Headquarters which Technology Distribution Ltd (now TD Africa), the biggest tech equipment distributor in sub-Saharan Africa supplied on behalf of Citadel in 2012.
However, in the certified true copy of the judgment dated March 20, 2025, Justice Ebong ruled as follows: “It is my conclusion based on the foregoing that this charge (No. FCT/HC/CR/985/2024, Federal Republic of Nigeria v Leo Stan Ekeh and 12 ORS) constitutes a gross abuse of court process and is liable to dismissal. I accordingly hereby dismiss it.”
Before arriving at his judgment, which has put the final nail in the coffin of a case that other courts had also dismissed in the past as dead on arrival, Justice Ebong considered the outcome of previous cases and petitions filed by Mr. Joseph, none of which was in his favour.
Justice Ebong said: “One intriguing aspect of this matter is that none of the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation of the nominal complainant’s (Mr. Joseph) numerous petitions has found merit in any of his allegations against the defendants. When called upon before Senchi J. (Justice Danlami Z. Senchi) to prove his said allegations to the court, he failed to turn up in court. One then wonders on what premise he wants to maintain this campaign of persecution against the defendants.”
Previous judgments on the matter had established that rather than being the culprit, Ekeh and the 12 others were actually the victims of a failed money diversion scheme plotted by Mr. Joseph and Citadel.
When contacted, one of the defendants, Mr. Chris Eze Ozims, a lawyer, said: “This ruling truly reflects our consistent position on the allegations, and it is good that we have been vindicated, once more, by a competent high court.”
He asserted that the judgment of Justice Ebong was consistent with the position of the defendants and in tandem with the rulings of other judges who had previously adjudicated on the same matter.
Mr. Matthew Burkaa SAN, chief counsel to the defendants, described the judgment as a victory for integrity and the rule of law.
Court papers showed that Falana’s suit was based on the same claims that various courts had dismissed in the past as falsehood and baseless. The case arose from a contract between Citadel and Technology Distributions Limited over the supply of computers to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), a project fully funded by Technology Distributions and has no bearing whatsoever with Zinox and its promoter, Mr Leo Stan Ekeh.
It will be recalled that Mr. Joseph had lost the case and its adjunct suits at different courts in the past. In his petition to the police in 2013, police authorities discovered that Mr. Joseph provided false information to the police, prompting the Inspector General of Police to charge him for false information in charge no.CR/216/16.
In another case filed by the EFCC in his instance against his partner, Princess Kama, in charge no. FCT/HC/CR/244/2018, Honorable Justice Danlami Z. Senchi of the FCT High Court (as he then was) dismissed as false all the allegations made by Benjamin Joseph, and imposed the sum of N20 million as damages against him for false petitioning in relation to these same allegations.
Earlier court papers showed that Joseph, in his statement on oath in suit No:LD/4335/2014 in the High Court of Justice, Lagos State, dated June 28, 2019, averred that his company, Citadel, did not execute any contract with FIRS and that he was not aware that a contract had been awarded to Citadel.
In his deposition under oath, Joseph claimed that Citadel “did not at any time execute any contract for the FIRS and neither did the 2nd defendant (Princess O. Kama) who is its agent in respect of the contract it bid for with the FIRS deliver/release any documents to the Claimant (Citadel) indicating that the contract it bid for, or any other contract was awarded to it by the FIRS or any other body.”
However, a letter from the FIRS addressed to the chamber of Afe Babalola & Co dated February 11, 2014 (FIRS/PD/GDS/2559) and signed by one Idrissa Kogo, Head Legal Department, stated: “Contrary to your client’s claim that they knew nothing about the execution of the contract awarded to them and that they did not receive any payment for the execution of the contract, our record reveals otherwise.
“Your client instructed FIRS through a letter dated December 13, 2012, to deal with Princess O. Kama (Your client’s agent) in relation to the contract. Through three separate letters dated December 20, 2012, your client instructed FIRS to pay to the client’s account with Access Bank plc. Please note that FIRS acted in compliance with your client’s instruction and with due diligence,” the FIRS letter stated.
The FIRS letter was a response to inquiry by Afe Babalola Chamber, lawyers to Citadel Oracle Concept Ltd and its MD, Mr. Benjamin Joseph, at that time.
The current charges filed by Falana on the basis of a fiat from the Attorney General is the third in a row as Mr Joseph had earlier filed charge no.CR/469/2022, which was struck out by Honorable Justice C. O. Oba of the FCT High Court, by an order dated November 8, 2022.
Determined to push through with his case, Mr Joseph filed the same charges before Honorable Justice A. S. Adepoju of the FCT High Court, and the charges were, once again, struck out by the Honorable Court on March 19, 2024, with Honorable Justice Adepoju holding that: “This matter was brought in dead, extinct and should be confined into the dustbin of history…I hold that the instant suit is an abuse of the process of court, and it is hereby struck out accordingly.”
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