By Juliet Umeh
Leading female technology professionals have challenged young girls to embrace careers in Information and Communication Technology, ICT, urging them to see themselves as future innovators and problem-solvers capable of shaping Nigeria’s digital economy.
The charge came at the International Girls in ICT Day celebration organised by eBusinessLife Communication Limited in Lagos, where women executives from leading technology firms shared their career journeys and encouraged girls to take advantage of the growing opportunities created by Artificial Intelligence, AI, and other emerging technologies.
The event, an initiative of the International Telecommunication Union, ITU, was themed: “AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future.”
Speaking during a panel discussion moderated by Chief Executive Officer of Tech Life Media and organiser of the Women Entrepreneurs & Executives in Technology Summit, WEETS, Ugochi Emmanuel, the speakers stressed that the technology industry now offers more opportunities than ever before for girls willing to develop relevant digital skills.
Chief Administrative Officer, Digital Realty Nigeria, Dr. Nkechi Newton-Denila, said the barriers that discouraged many women from pursuing technology careers in the past are gradually disappearing as governments, international organisations and private sector players continue to promote gender inclusion.
According to her, girls should identify areas of ICT they are passionate about and pursue them with determination.
“Today, the landscape is vastly different. Governments, international organisations and private institutions across the globe are intentionally creating opportunities for girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, STEM. This presents a unique advantage for young girls.
“If you discover an area within ICT that excites you, pursue it wholeheartedly. Do not wait for others to decide your future. Identify your passion, chart your course and remain committed to achieving your goals,” she said.
Associate Consultant and Information Security Analyst at Digital Encode, Itunuola Aderemi, advised the girls to explore different areas of technology, including cybersecurity, data analytics and data science, before settling on a career path.
She said understanding the various technology disciplines would help them choose careers that align with their strengths and aspirations.
Also speaking, Team Lead, Retails, New Horizons Nigeria, Glory Omole, acknowledged that stereotypes against women in technology still exist but noted that organisations are increasingly creating pathways for more girls to participate in the digital economy.
She said the drive for greater female participation in ICT should not be seen as a competition with men but as a collective effort to build a stronger and more inclusive technology ecosystem.«”We want to see more women leading innovations, conducting research, developing applications and creating solutions that address societal challenges,” Omole said.
On the importance of mentorship, Assistant Manager, Product and Services at Zoracom, Mistura Salaudeen, urged the girls to learn from successful women who have broken barriers across technology and other sectors.
She noted that Artificial Intelligence has made it easier for young people to develop ideas, prepare business proposals and execute projects, urging them to focus on opportunities instead of limitations.
«”Artificial Intelligence has significantly lowered barriers to entry. Rather than being discouraged by challenges, girls should leverage available technologies and communities to accelerate their growth and maximise emerging opportunities,” she said.»
The panellists also highlighted high-demand technology skills such as cybersecurity, data analytics, data science, web development and User Interface/User Experience, UI/UX, design as promising career paths for young women.
Newton-Denila added that ICT has become an essential part of virtually every profession, noting that AI is transforming sectors such as healthcare, law, agriculture and business.
She urged the girls to embrace technology not only as a career but as a tool for solving real-life problems and driving innovation across industries.
