General News
Women Need Incentives to Go Into ICT -Dr. Hassan
Dr. (Mrs.) Omowunmi Hassan, currently lead consultant and managing director of HOJOB Consults Ltd – ICT training and Policy Analysis consultancy firm in Nigeria, is also the chief executive and presiding officer of High Tech Centre for Nigerian Women and Youth – an NGO established to empower and build the capacity of women and youths in ICT across Nigeria.
An IT professional per excellence, she has worked at various IT positions in reputable Organizations.
Hassan, with a lot of publications in several journals to her credit, spoke to peter ugwu on issues regarding women and youths in IT-Nigeria.
Setting Up of High Tech Centre
The gap in ICT and the digital divide among the gender changing information and communications technologies (ICT) around the world brings, and the challenges these have brought to developing countries, information and knowledge sharing or dissemination has become a more pressing problem for the women-folk and younger ones in Africa, especially in the West African region.
Hence, the beginning of our initiative to bridge the digital gap between men and women literacy in ICT taking cue from the Ghanaian High Tech Women in the early 2000.
I was challenged in March 2004 during the International ICT Conference in Ghana on capacity building interventions for women and girls’ involvement in ICT, the Nigerian High Tech Women was therefore born in May 2004 at Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The Set Objectives
The primary vision as at the beginning of our creation was to reach out to women and girls in Nigeria through awareness / literacy campaign, workshops, summits on ICTs and computer usage while providing information on ICT access opportunities in different places like market, hospitals, Local government areas, etc.
The organization however, metamorphosed into High Tech Centre for Nigerian Women and Youths in 2012, after a rigorous status and nomenclature changes necessitated by the feared digital divide between the gender (male and female) which established us and was then seen to be marginalizing the capacity building interventions against the ‘boy child’.
This births the incorporation of ‘youth initiatives’ to accommodate the empowerment of both sexes in ICTs among the younger and upcoming generation through our engagements and activities.
The various categories of women from the academia/professionals, public/civil servants, private sector, business / entrepreneurs, women in rural communities and girls in schools was identified as targets of our intervention, thus the justification for the strategic goals and aspirations of the organization.
With a focused vision and mission statement, the initiative to catch – them young started the outreach of the NGO to schools by establishing ICT Clubs in Schools as well as creating Clubs in Local Government Areas around Ile-Ife town in Osun State of Nigeria then.
The youth incorporation birthed the ICT Summer Academy Camp (ISAC) for Youths (male and females) from ages 15 while the school seminars is for primary and secondary school children was tagged Children ICT Summit (CIT).
Furthermore, we were able to strategically map out how to reach our targets by planning initiatives that address various categories of women and youths. Such includes, workshop for wives and women leaders at the States and Local Government Areas (LGAs) tagged Women Leaders Forum (WLF).
Professionals and women in the public and private sector of the economy are gathered to a special summit tagged “Women ICT Summit” (WITS) yearly; the first edition was held in 2012 and has since been a national event. To support ICT and computing skills development of female students in tertiary institutions, the Ladies ICT Summit (LITS) was initiated to reach out to all ladies in tertiary institutions in the country.
With the global advocacy for innovation and industrial development of national economies and with the identification of ICT, and indeed science and technology as a driver of technological changes, we have deliberately upgraded our children and youth initiatives for all sexes including the ladies summit to a new dimension with emphasis on ‘Innovation’ and ‘development in a knowledge economy’.
Hence, our projects for the sect are tagged “e-innovate Nigeria – Stop Downloading… Start Uploading” to encourage the younger generation to think inventions, create products, services, indeed become innovative and entrepreneurial for self sustenance, wealth / job creation to be able to build a sustainable Nigerian economy that can meet up with the national goal of Vision 20:2020.
The High Tech Awards
The High Tech Awards for Women and Youths started in 2012 as part of the activities of the Women ICT Summits yearly.
It has since been an exciting and elating initiative that has created more awareness of ICT and its impacts as well as facilitated the involvement of prominent, entrepreneurs and visionary young Nigerians to our programmes as they partner to foster more impactful engagements with the NGO.
To conform with global initiatives and career development of women and girls in ICTs, the High tech Centre for Nigerian Women and Youths identified with the ITU international Day of Girls in ICT celebrated worldwide in April every year, and has since been hosting the “Girls in ICT” day since 2013 as a day to sensitize the society of the need to build ICT career in women and girls as well as the social inclusion of the women folks in ICT mainstream internationally.
Capturing Women’s Attention to Embrace Certain IT Programmes
Women attention is drawn to quite a lot of things and the truth is that to get women to do things requires a lot of incentives, advocacies, awareness and encouragements.
We need to create funds, time, opportunities / strategies for them to get involved by supporting them to pay for the trainings available in ICTs (you know most trainings nowadays is not free especially where there is no sponsorship from donor organizations), government must be willing to partner with NGOs who are able to reach out to the grassroots to implement any and all of their initiatives for women and girls.
This for me is a way of getting more women to know, understand and be willing to run with government’s programs.
As a matter of fact, government formulate policies, create programs but leave the projects to NGOs, Private institutions and other interest groups to implement so as to get better results and facilitate partnerships.
Economic Buoyancy as a Major Factor that Must be Tackled to Attract Their Attention
Yes, I agree not just thinking. I do know that most women (married) depend on their husbands support financially; while a lot more (unmarried and single mothers) are struggling or managing their meager resources.
Thus, funds to get ICTs, attend trainings, and have access to the internet are quite challenging. They need support as much as possible.
Strategies Adopted By High Tech so Far In Galvanizing Women Interest in IT
High Tech has over the years evolved from free trainings / seminars for women to getting States and Local Government Areas support through sponsorship of women to our programs and now, some Agencies of the Government like National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been supportive in the areas of funding some of our projects for youths and girls but a lot is still needed to do more.
We charge fees (just a token) most times to be able to break even and get knowledge transfer to our target. You know we are not for profits organization. We need nation and international organizations to support these initiatives.
Women’s Interests in ComTech Ministry’s Roadmap for IT Development
The minister is trying so much with the roadmaps in place but the strategic need of the country is to have a well articulated ICT Policy with actionable frameworks, concise key performance indicators (KPIs) for monitoring procedures and a full back-up legislation and Acts for effective implementation.
This is imperative for her efforts for the industry to be measurable and more impactful. As regards women and girls in ICT initiatives, I think they are trying but the Ministry cannot do it alone.
They are facilitators, provider of enabling environment and motivator, so they should partner with more women NGOs with different capacities and capabilities to create more initiatives and achieve their already set goals so as to get things done at all levels.
The ministry should set the right directions through policies guidelines and facilitate networking for result based implementation of their policy strategies and programmes.
Cost of the Centre’s Programme to Educate and Equip a Person in IT
In terms of cost, it is relative based on various projects. The children’s e-Innovate events is free for pupils and students from primary / secondary schools but with the introduction of school ICT competitions, schools are required to pay a token of N15,000 (fifteen thousand naira) to participate.
The Youth Summits and Camp is on the average of N 25,000 (twenty five thousand naira), Women ICT Summit is about N50,000 (fifty thousand naira) on the average yearly because of the target group, (we actually save cost to support our children’s project yearly) and the international exchange programme costs is dependent on country to be visited.
We plead for financial support for any or all of these initiatives to enable more women and youths to benefit across States, Local governments, communities and indeed the entire country.
Girls in Decision Making Positions In IT Field
Sure, more than optimistic because we are getting there gradually, women, ladies and girls at all levels are able and we CAN!
One a quiet Wednesday, February 22, 1956, in Ubomiri, Mbaitoli, Imo State, the family of Chief and Lolo Ebenezer Ekeh leaped for joy at the birth of Leonard Stanley Nnamdi Ekeh- their second son.
Leonard Stanley Nnamdi Ekeh
His birth was both cosmic, and disruptive as his journey down this 70 years on earth has proven.
Leonard Stanley Nnamdi Ekeh, popularly know as Leo Stan Ekeh or LSE is human by birth but profound, rare and has higher consciousness.
Imbued with deep intuition, intense creativity, and compassionate nature, Leo Stan possesses critical thinking ability.
He has relentless drive to succeed across multiple facets of life. This is a self-made construct driven by his deep spiritual and purposeful living, rather than just mere survival.
Despite the recurring and abrupt reversal of government policies, which leave companies including his hemorrhaging, Leo Stan has remained committed and actively participate in the development and nation-building of Nigeria.
Am one of the lucky people to have known him up close and personal for nearly 30 years.
He has endured lots of back biting and campaigns of calumny from competitors and even betrayals from least expected people.
But his tenacity makes him stand firm on his beliefs regardless of feelings, or circumstances.
He has stumbled in businesses, failed in some ventures; but he always get right up. At one point, he nearly lost his head selling international commodities.
LSE takes every loss with equanimity as a dogged fighter.
A serial entrepreneur and with eyes for great minds, Leo Stan does not just walk through life; he leaves a trail of light, lifting everyone around him with kindness and wisdom. And there are testimonials.
For me, he is a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope. My benefactor.
He is also a benefactor to many. He has a way of making associates feel vital, loved, and valued.
Today is his Platinum Birthday but his roads have not always been paved with gold.
His early life was as ordinary as it can be, LSE attended Holy Ghost College, Owerri for his secondary education.
During his early years, he wanted to own the biggest transport company in Nigeria.
He later went to India for his university education, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Punjab University.
Leo Stan believes that studying in India was a great turning point in his life because he found the economy of India a realistic economy”.
He later also earned an MSc in Risk Management from the University of Nottingham.
At 70, he attained his height by trust in God, determination and CAN DO attitude.
Today, his business opinions and advisory are welcome around the world.
Leo Stan once told me “I saw myself from the beginning even when my parents were alive as an orphan. It drives me.”
He has three brothers and two sisters, His mother was a dietitian, and his father was a nurse
“I come from a lineage of people who served God dedicatedly. I am a miracle child and I remember my mother had always predicted that I would be great. I have siblings but I live my life as if I am the only child of my parents” he said
He believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world.
His solid prints in the business world is well documented. He has his hands in his hands in several businesses including ICT, e-commerce, broadcasting, oil and gas, media publishing and real estate.
Leo Stan is a man of many firsts: he pioneered a new world of digital economy at a time the country was deeply analogue both in the workplace and in schools.
The Nigerian media industry, from advertising to newspapers, owes him much gratitude for changing their operational processes and methodologies from mundane, medieval analogue to the robust and elegant digital platform.
Within 30 years, he has transformed a start-up that sprouted from a make-shift apartment that also doubled as his home into a digital conglomerate with incursions into oil and gas, entertainment and property.
Leo Stan started Zinox Technologies Limited in 2001 to manufacture computers.
He ensured that at launch Zinox Computers already had the WHQL certification, the first in sub-Saharan Africa, consolidated 5 years later with the attainment of the NIS ISO 2000: 9001 QMS Certification.
In October 2013, the company announced the production of its computer tablet line named Zipad
Task Systems, Technology Distributions Limited, Konga (Africa’s foremost truly composite e-commerce outpost combining offline-online mix in service delivery), Konga Radio, and TD Mobile, to name a few, complete the ensemble of businesses in his thriving conglomerate.
In all his companies, there is a growth pathway for every employee.
He deliberately creates a system that rewards every hardworking and dedicated employee.
From drivers sponsored to universities and returning to the conglomerate as degree holders to persons who joined the organisation as janitors working their way up the corporate ladder, he has brought his humanity to bear on people around him.
Making some lowly staff home-owners and sponsoring indigent students to universities at home and abroad comes to him as a routine.
Just a few days ago, ahead of his 70th birthday, he offered University scholarships to additional 1,000 Nigerian indigent wizkids to study Computer Science in Federal Universities. He is committing about N10 billion to the scholarship scheme.
This is so the country’s private and public sectors have a new generation of tech wizkids to support the economy’s growth.
Recall that his group has trained and retrained over 3000 Nigerians and donated tech centres to over 25 institutions nationwide just to mention a few.
The former alter boy and chorister in his local community Catholic Church at Ubomiri, now a multi-billionaire, has stayed humble.
He draws a distinct line between capitalism and welfarism.
Leo Stan is great man, a leader with unparalleled integrity and a heart of gold.
He has earned over 6o international and local awards over many years of incisive entrepreneurship, was equally singled out and honoured by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2001 with an ICON OF HOPE award as a pride to modern Nigeria and as a model for Nigerian youths.
Again, President Obasanjo honoured him with another national award – the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2003.
A Fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society, the umbrella body of all computer associations in Nigeria, he was also awarded the pioneer ICT Personality of the Year by this professional body.
In November 2019, Ekeh was honoured by President Muhammadu Buhari with the National Productivity Order of Merit award for his sustained leadership in the area of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
With over four Doctorate Degrees (Honorary) and fifteen fellowships from recognized institutions and as a former global advisor to Microsoft, as well as Forbes Best of Africa Leading Tech Icon Award his outstanding entrepreneurship.
Leo Stan is Ochiririozuo Ubomiri, Ebekuo Dike, Ideato and Iyi of Mbaitoli
Africa’s trading community is rapidly growing, evolving, and showing increasing interest in financial markets. From Lagos to Nairobi, from Accra to Johannesburg, more and more people are exploring financial markets as a way to develop skills, earn income, and participate in the global economy. But the ability to trade isn’t enough; traders also need reliable technology, fair conditions, and tools that help them make informed decisions and trade effectively.
JustMarkets
This is where trading platforms like JustMarkets make a significant contribution to the development and expansion of the trading community in the African region.
By combining global market access with a results-oriented trading environment, JustMarkets helps African traders compete head-to-head with those in the world’s largest financial centers, providing access to tight spreads, a wide range of analytical materials, and a variety of account types.
Breaking Barriers to Global Markets
For years, traders in emerging markets have faced limitations: slow platforms, a limited range of instruments, low liquidity, wide spreads, and infrastructure that hinders professional trading and effective analysis. Today, JustMarkets addresses this significant gap by providing African traders with access to a wide range of global financial instruments through a single, optimized online platform.
Now traders have the opportunity to test short-term strategies, long-term portfolio diversification, and learn how markets work. Traders can now explore opportunities in forex, commodities, indices, and stock markets without geographic barriers or technical difficulties.
A Trading Platform Built for Performance
Technology plays a critical role in modern trading. Market conditions can change in seconds, and execution speed often makes the difference between opportunity and missed entry. The JustMarkets leading trading platform is designed to support fast, confident decisions in real time.
Ultra-fast execution. Engineered for low-latency order processing, the app helps ensure trades are executed quickly and efficiently when markets move.
Full risk management. Stop-loss, take-profit, and position sizing can be managed directly from the chart, helping traders stay disciplined and protect capital.
Advanced charting. Interactive charts, multiple timeframes, drawing tools, and built-in indicators provide the analytical depth needed for informed trading decisions.
Real-time alerts. Instant notifications about price movements, order events, and key market developments help traders stay connected even when they’re away from the screen.
Secure authentication. Biometric login, encrypted data transmission, and advanced internal security protocols ensure that accounts and personal data remain protected.
This combination of speed, usability, and security makes professional-grade trading accessible from anywhere, even on the go with JustMarkets mobile trading app.
Trade a Wide Range of Global Markets
Access to diverse instruments allows traders to adapt to different market conditions and explore multiple strategies. JustMarkets provides African traders with the ability to participate in major asset classes worldwide.
Forex. Trade major, minor, and exotic currency pairs with competitive pricing and deep liquidity.
Gold & Metals. Access precious metals such as XAUUSD and XAGUSD, popular instruments for active traders and those seeking exposure to global macro trends with competitive spreads.
Indices. Engage with leading global stock indices including the S&P 500, NASDAQ, Dow Jones, DAX, and FTSE – markets that reflect the performance of major economies.
Stocks. Trade shares of global companies and high-volume market leaders, opening opportunities to follow international corporate trends.
Energy. Speculate on key energy commodities such as WTI and Brent crude oil, instruments often influenced by geopolitical and macroeconomic developments.
This broad market selection helps traders diversify and respond flexibly to changing global conditions.
Supporting Trader Development
Expanding technical, educational, and analytical capabilities extends beyond technology. JustMarkets also places a special emphasis on helping traders build knowledge and confidence. Access to educational materials, market analysis, and structured risk management tools fosters a more disciplined and informed approach to trading, including setting trading goals.
For many African traders, this means moving from random speculation and emotional trades to a more professional mindset, and most importantly, understanding that long-term success depends on strategy, risk management, continuous learning, and a cool head.
Connecting Africa to the Global Financial Ecosystem
Financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, with traders from all regions now participating in the same global capital flow. Offering advanced tools such as flexible leverage, fast order execution, and broad access to markets and trading assets, the JustMarkets online trading platform helps African traders become active participants in this ecosystem with full access to analytical and educational materials, as well as cutting-edge technological solutions for managing trades, accounts, and open positions. JustMarkets’ commitment to empowering traders, increasing financial literacy, and enabling people to engage with global markets on a level playing field. As the African trading community grows, online trading platforms like JustMarkets, which combine performance, accessibility, and security, will play a key role in this process. But pay attention that risk management still is a key to success as CFD trading involves risks.
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Lagos, has issued an interim Mareva injunction freezing copyright levy funds due to the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN).
The order prevents the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and at least 20 commercial banks from disbursing these funds until further court proceedings.
The injunction stems from Suit No. FHC/L/CS/207/2026, following an ex parte application filed on February 5, 2026, by the Record Label Proprietors’ Initiative on behalf of 11 major record labels and music companies.
Plaintiffs include industry heavyweights such as Mavin Records, Davido Music Worldwide, Chocolate City Music, Universal Music Group, Sony Music Africa, and Warner Music South Africa.
The plaintiffs, through their attorney, sought to restrain the CBN from releasing any copyright levy funds related to sound recordings earmarked for MCSN.
They also asked the court to bar MCSN and its agents from accessing, transferring, or using the funds, whether received directly from the CBN or routed through commercial banks.
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