In his keynote address at the event, Dr. Aminu Maida, the executive vice chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), charged the girls to follow evolving trends in the world of technology and pursue excellence in order to make a difference in the workforce of the future.

Dr. Maida, who was represented by Nnenna Ukoha, the deputy director/ head, Corporate Communication, NCC, noted that there will always be gaps to be filled in the ICT field.

According to the NCC Boss, the significance of encouraging young girls and women to consider careers in ICT stems from the fact that the gender represents half of the global population, and it will only be fair and equitable to seek their views and input in standards that are essential to the shaping of technology.

Furthermore, he noted that encouraging these girls is an investment in the future of the nation.

“The ICT sector offers exciting and well-paid career opportunities; from software development to data analysis, cybersecurity to artificial intelligence, the opportunities are endless. By encouraging more girls and women to enter the ICT field, we can help bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone has equal access to the opportunities of the digital age,” Maida opined.

He further encouraged young women to latch onto the provisions of Federal Government’s 3MTT initiative, which seeks to provide  and empower young Nigerians with technology career opportunities in AI/Machine Learning; Data Analysis & Visualisation; User Interface (UI), User Design (UX) among others.

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.

“Right now, just 21% of all ICT Ministers are women, and only 32 out of 165 ICT regulators are led by a woman.  In the highest positions of government, gender equality will not be reached for another 130 years. In the private sector women in technologists occupy less than a third of positions and face a pay gap of up to 21%. Just 22% of AI workers globally are women.  And the hiring rate of women in tech leadership roles has stalled. When we look at C-Suite roles in STEM, just 1 in 8 is held by a woman.”

She called for investment in girl education, mentorship and skill-building opportunities so they can not only succeed, but thrive as digital trailblazers.

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, highlighted the numerous opportunities inherent in the ICT sector, and implored the young girls to stay away from negative sides of technology as a means of impacting the society positively.  She encouraged them to also read hard copy materials as a means of retaining knowledge and referencing. She encouraged them to read more of hard copy materials to avoid distractions and easy switch to unnecessary Apps that come with reading from gadgets.

Mrs. Alaka also charged parents to guide their children on the beneficial use of ICT gadgets.

While taking the young girls on an insightful tech-talk session, Digital Strategist and Founder, ‘MissTechy’ – Nigeria’s top Female Tech Blog and video channel, Oluwatobi Ayeni, charged them to be inquisitive and explore ICT. This, she noted, will help them develop interest that will culminate into driving initiatives and filling gaps in technology.

Dr. (Mrs.) Ochuko Ibe, CEO, MyHealthHub, while taking the girls on a health talk, challenged them to look at situations around them and seek ways of plugging gaps with technology. She referenced her journey through different fields and how she developed a passion for technology and now uses it to bridge medical gap in rural and underserved areas.

In her welcome address, Convener, Girls-In-ICT/CEO, e-Business Life Communication Limited, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro, citing ITU’s estimate of skills shortfall of over two million jobs in the ICT sector within the next five years, said girls and young women who learn coding, apps development and computer science will not only be well-placed for a successful career in the ICT sector, but ICT skills that are rapidly becoming a strong advantage for students in just about any other field they might choose to pursue. “Girls with ICT skills can expect to earn good salaries and enjoy plenty of career opportunities.

Girls in ICT Day reminds us that ICTs help to improve the lives of people everywhere – through better health care, better environmental management, better communications, and better educational systems that transform the way children and adults learn.”

Referencing the 2024 theme, Mrs. Daro 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.

To thrive in STEM, girls and young women must be exposed to women in leadership positions, fostering inspiration and breaking down barriers that hinder their progress. The Girls in ICT Day 2024 theme aims to address these challenges, encouraging empowerment and leadership development for a more equitable future in STEM.”

The event was attended by 170 students from 17 schools across Lagos and Ogun States, and several other guests from the corporate world.

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 2^nd and 3^rd positions.

The Event got partnership and support from the NCC, NITDA, Globacom, Digital Encode, VDT Communications, Digital Realty, Huawei Technologies, Inq Digital and CocaCola.

This year’s theme for the International Girls in ICT campaign is ‘Leadership’ as stated by the ITU.

From an early age in Aba, Chukwuka was captivated by the power of design. During his university days, he discovered his passion for design advocacy, realizing the immense potential it held to shape the world around him. Fuelled by this passion, he embarked on a remarkable journey that would take him to new heights.

Chukwuka’s talent and entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Mogedy Technologies, a leading tech company in Nigeria. Through this venture, he harnessed the power of technology to create innovative solutions that transformed industries and improved lives. But Chukwuka’s ambitions didn’t stop there.

Driven by his desire to empower others, Chukwuka embarked on a mission to inspire and mentor aspiring designers. He became an active advocate for design, not only in Nigeria but also across international tech scenes in the US, Canada, and the UK. He shared his expertise at design seminars and webinars, leaving audiences in awe of his thought-provoking insights.

One of Chukwuka’s most impactful initiatives was the Girls in Tech project. Recognizing the untapped potential of talented girls from rural areas of Lagos, he spearheaded an initiative to provide them with laptops and training in the tech industry. Through this project, Chukwuka empowered young girls to defy expectations and embrace their passion for technology, opening doors to endless possibilities.

But Chukwuka’s quest for innovation didn’t end there. He joined forces with Chuxem Links as their Chief Technology Officer, leading the creation of customized portals and e-libraries for universities across Nigeria. His designs seamlessly blended beauty, functionality, and marketability, revolutionizing the way students and educators interacted with information.

Not content with merely transforming the education sector, Chukwuka also dedicated himself to bridging the gap in academic research. Collaborating with Nigeria’s Ministry of Education, he played a pivotal role in developing Boldscholar, the first African indigenous journal platform. This groundbreaking platform provided a voice for African scholars, amplifying their research and fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing.

Chukwuka’s commitment to his craft was evident in his academic pursuits as well. Armed with a Master’s degree in Information Technology with a specialization in user experience research from the University of West Scotland, he possessed a deep understanding of the human-centered design process. Additionally, his MBA from KROK University equipped him with the strategic mindset required to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of design and technology.

As Chukwuka’s story continued to unfold, his contributions to the design industry continued to inspire and transform. His disruptive designs challenged the status quo and pushed the boundaries of what was possible.

His unwavering dedication to his craft and his commitment to driving positive change established him as a respected figure in the field, leaving a lasting legacy that would shape the creative industry for generations to come.

And so, Chukwuka Madumere’s journey as a visionary designer and advocate for change carried on, with each new project and endeavor fueling his passion and leaving an indelible mark on the world.