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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 health of Tigran Gambaryan, Binance executive remains uncertain one month and one week after Justice Emeka Nwite ordered the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) to transfer him to a capable medical facility for treatment.
Gambaryan is Binance’s head of crime compliance.
His family said, “He has had double pneumonia and malaria whilst in prison” and reports said he Gambaryan’s health remains in grave danger.
In addition, the first witness from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was cross-examined on Monday, resulting in the adjournment of the money laundering trial against Binance and two executives until July 5.
The court is still aware that, despite repeated court orders, the prison where Gambaryan is being kept has not produced his medical documents from his single hospital visit, which occurred a month ago.
According to his family members, Gambaryan’s health is declining.
Justice Nwite again ordered that the reports be sent to Gambaryan’s counsel by Friday.
Gambaryan’s family spokesperson said that “Tigran’s health continues to deteriorate in detention, and he complained of numbness in his foot as well as back pain[…] He has had double pneumonia and malaria whilst in prison.” His wife added that: As I have stated many times before and as the evidence in court is showing, Tigran has never been a decision-maker at Binance, and there is no justification for his continued detention […] It is time for the Nigerian authorities to do the right thing and release my innocent husband.
The defense’s extensive questioning of a representative of SEC to refute allegations that Binance had engaged in the unlicensed offer and sale of securities has led to the recent dispute regarding Gambaryan’s health.
Gambaryan, the crypto exchange’s head of financial crime compliance, has been detained in Nigeria since February and is currently being held in Kuje prison.
The Binance exec is being held alongside members of the terrorist organization Boko Haram.
Nadeem Anjarwalla, another executive who is also accused of money laundering, has since fled.
Internet services were restricted in several areas across Mauritania yesterday, including the capital Nouakchott, following the outbreak of protests rejecting the presidential election results.
According to eyewitnesses, the internet services of mobile phones were cut off in certain Mauritanian cities, while remaining functional on the landline services.
The Mauritanian authorities and telecommunications companies are yet to comment on the issue.
On Monday, several cities across Mauritania, including Nouakchott, saw protests by supporters of candidate and human rights activist Biram Ould Dah Abeid, who came second in the results of the presidential elections.
He rejected the election results, and called it an “electoral coup.”
The National Independent Electoral Commission on Monday said incumbent Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani won the presidential election with 56.12% of the vote, while Biram Ould Dah Abeid came in second with 22.10%.
On Saturday, Mauritanians cast their ballots to choose a new president among seven candidates.
The northern African country has experienced several coups between 1978 and 2008, with 2019 marking the first peaceful power transfer between elected presidents since its independence from France in 1960.
Credit rating agency, Agusto & Co., has projected that managed assets in the country will witness an average annual growth rate of 32.4 per cent over the next two years.
The firm noted that while this represents a deceleration compared to the previous two years’ average growth rate of 45.8 per cent, the industry is still expected to see significant expansion, with managed assets surpassing the N10 trillion mark by 2025.
In its 2024 Asset Management Industry Report, it said the anticipated growth will be fuelled by several key factors, such as higher yields which are expected to attract more investments, while increased contributions from pension fund administrators and institutional clients will also play a crucial role.
Additionally, it stated that the strategic allocation of funds in international money markets is being leveraged to counteract the effects of the depreciating local currency.
It stated, “In 2023, the Nigerian asset management industry demonstrated resilience through innovative financial products and effective asset diversification. Total assets under management (AUM) increased by 44 per cent to N5.9 trillion, driven by the growth of dollar-denominated portfolios and increased participation from retail and institutional investors.
“The industry’s offerings are divided into three segments: Collective Investment Schemes (CISs), Segregated Portfolios, and Alternatives. CISs, or mutual funds, pool clients’ funds for management.
“Segregated portfolios include privately managed discretionary and non-discretionary funds, along with other private collective investment schemes not listed on the SEC’s website. Alternatives encompass non-traditional assets such as REITs, private equity, and infrastructure funds.
“In 2023, segregated portfolios surpassed collective investment schemes, contributing 57 per cent of the industry’s AUM as investors shifted away from the more restrictive and conservative CISs, which accounted for 35 per cent. Alternative assets, including publicly-listed private equity, REITs, and infrastructure funds, made up 8% of managed assets.”
Agusto & Co. forecasts robust growth in the industry’s managed assets, projecting an average annual growth rate of 32.4 per cent over the next two years, albeit at a slower pace compared to the 45.8 per cent average for the previous two years.
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