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Women Inclusion in S.T.E.M: Message to Parents

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Alimi Eyitayo
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Women inclusion in STEM is very important as we have a longer attention span. Did I say that? Yes, I did!

Most parents want their children to be Medical Doctors, (some results into forcing and bullying.) how then do we get young girls to study STEM subjects.

Let me tell you a story 🙂

As a child, I wanted to be a Medical Doctor-A surgeon at that, the dream of every young child that most parents would love to support (my parents inclusive!) .They ploughed the ground for me to be what I wanted to be.

I watched educational Sci-fi and Sci-tech documentaries, cartoons and programs, I loved every bit of it….yes and I still do!. I woke up one morning and was like

“Dar-dah,” he was like “yes princess” I was like “”I wanna be an Engineer…like a Computer Engineer” he then was like “oh really?”” I said “sure dad” He gave me a ”Hi” and was specially happy, being a practicing Electrical/Civil Engineer and yes! That was how my journey to becoming a STEM Woman began!

My parents gave me all their full support,just like they did to my other siblings. My mum (An educationist) made sure I read extra hours- thanks to the “no friend to visit” area I grew up in. So when you’re not watching ”tee-vee” you either study or you got served! My Dad, (An Engineer ) exposed me to more Engineering manuals from his office and more Sci-Engine audio-visual.

Their focus on me was on my extracurricular activities. I get a reward for constructing something new from primary science, to intro tech, then to physics and chemistry.

I get accolades for formulating “improvising formulas” I could remember in primary school I invented a local polish, hair cream, scouring powder and a couple of home supplies. Right there at home without external sources. I also indulged myself in scattering and “pulling down” the house to build up my workshops and office complexes (Made from the chairs and tables meant for visitors at the court yard), started braiding my hair myself, and wired stuvs like that. Did I just skip this part…I asked too many questions? Sometimes too many for answers and often times too much for my age, at least than an adult could bear. I knew I asked a lot of Jamb questions. 🙂

That must have been responsible for the “questioneering” attitude that earned me the most inquisitive as one of my awards from my undergraduate days.

Oh Yes! Fast forward, now a Graduate of Computer Engineering (and please don’t ask me, the class of degree but be sure it’s not first) with a hand full of certificates am grateful to God Almighty who granted me the opportunity to study a course I wanted, not a course someone else wanted.

Am also happy because my mini and main school projects (Bio medical Engineering and Biometrics security/Identification) ended up around in medicine -my first love:D

Been doing ICT for over eight years and worked in different places I have been the only Lady in the I.T department up until when I was the deputy team lead and when I rose to the position of Head of IT / Digital Media department, the only Lady I still am. That was when I got pregnant!

It could be quite challenging especially when my team members are married men and some old enough to be my Uncle, I still have to manage the team anyways…my job must be done by no one but me. My bosses at each point of my career showed great love, support and bolster my courage to forge ahead in my chosen career. From words of encouragement to recommendations for higher things and absolute trust in my sense of judgement …even in issues that had nothing to do with work …my bosses have been “Hes 4 her” am so honored to have them all the way.

Bringing you into the present, neither with virtual nor augmented reality….(You can talk to me for those, they are what am researching and working on at the moment )

You will agree that my love for technology did not begin now or didn’t just show up as a Tech Woman, I gradually grew from a Techy girl at age 5 to study STEM subjects in elementary up until college years and a teenager who ended up studying a STEM Course at the tertiary. Do not forget that my polish inventions, the “sci-fi ,Sci-Engine and Sci-tech” audio-visuals ,the office complexes and workshop, the  Engineer magazines from my Dad’s office and all the wired stuvs are symptoms (in my own case) of a Techy-girl

To Parents
Remember, I did weird or wild things including turning the furniture at the Court Yard to my office complexes and workshops, those are nothing compared to the ”weird atrocities” committed at home, in the making of this techy girl.

Please don’t stop your weird children, understudy and encourage them. Show them love and support. You may think they’ve got a hype- It’s okay because my parents thought so too, until the Doctor told them I was okay. You may have the greatest inventor of this generation in your home. You can also send them over to me for mentoring …winks*

Oh dear…Wondering what my pregnancy birthed?…eh..urh…hold that thought..let me help you right there..a healthy , geeky ,techy-girl! see her here www.techygirls.org

Am so grateful to God the night she came. I was like “hmm, at least, after all I have done wrong,I must have done something right, to deserve a geek every morning and a techy-girl at night.”

Contact writer via: @alimieyitayo  [email protected] +2348097637097 BBM: 58F1E357


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NDPC Commits to Balancing Data Privacy, Protection Information

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Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has expressed its commitment to balance information around data privacy and protection.

NDPC Commits to Balancing Data Privacy, Protection Information

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner, NDPC, stated this in Abuja, at the National Data Privacy Summit with the theme, “Privacy in the Era of Emerging Technologies,” organised by the commission.

Olatunji said the NDPC, at the moment, was looking at balancing information around data privacy and protection.

“What we are doing is just to look at how to balance information around privacy and protection, which is really important, because as we are innovating, at the same time, we have to consider issues around privacy and protection,” he stated.

He added that the commission has been very bold in taking risks that would bring about growth.

“Our starting point is growing at a very alarming rate, and we are not afraid of anything. We can take risks. And that is why a lot is happening in Nigeria, and this is the level of clarity,” he explained.

In his address, Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC),  stated that Internet of Things holds promise for Nigeria’s economy.

The EVC, who was represented by Abraham Oshadami, executive commissioner, Technical Services (ECTS), noted that, “in an era in which digital assets, Internet of Things, future digital computing and other transformative technologies are key, and both a cornerstone of building trust for the adoption and a prerequisite for sustainable progress.

“Emerging technologies hold immense promise for Nigeria’s grand economy, but they also introduce complex risks to personal and individual rights.

“So, balancing innovation through post-ethical safeguards and public trust is the first step to ensuring that global digital advancement benefits all Nigerians without compromising their privacy or their security,” he added.

“As we just heard from the Nigeria Police, telecom operators have a vast amount of sensitive historical information daily, including connectivity apps and collaboration on privacy, security, and number protection, both to their and their inheritors,” he said.

Dr. Bako Shurkuk, commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Plateau State, who represented Caleb Mutfwang, Governor of Plateau State, said, emerging technologies can be harnessed to attain sustainable growth.

 


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OADC Lagos Reinforces Commitment to Local Data Hosting and Digital Transformation @ NDPC’s National Privacy Week Summit

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Open Access Data Centres (OADC) Lagos has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s data protection and digital transformation agenda through its sponsorship and active participation in the Nigeria Data Protection Commission’s (NDPC) National Privacy Week Summit.

The National Privacy Week Summit, organised by the NDPC, convened policymakers, regulators, technology providers, and industry stakeholders to promote data privacy awareness, strengthen compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), and advance conversations around data security, sovereignty, and responsible data governance.

As a sponsor of the event, OADC Lagos demonstrated its continued support for the Federal Government’s drive toward local data hosting and data domiciliation, which are increasingly critical to safeguarding sensitive information, enhancing regulatory compliance, and building trust in Nigeria’s digital economy.

Through its carrier-neutral, Tier III Design certified data centre in Lekki, Lagos, OADC provides secure, resilient, and compliant infrastructure that enables government institutions and private sector organisations to host and manage data locally while meeting international best practices.

Commenting on the engagement, Adesola Adesugba, Country Marketing Manager, Open Access Data Centres Nigeria, said: “We are proud to have supported the Nigeria Data Protection Commission through the National Privacy Week Summit and to stand alongside the government in advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation objectives.

“Strengthening local data hosting and domiciliation is fundamental to national data sovereignty, improved security, and sustainable digital growth, and OADC Lagos remains committed to enabling this future.”

OADC’s participation at National Privacy Week Summit underscores its role as a trusted digital infrastructure partner to government and enterprise, supporting secure cloud connectivity, regulatory compliance, and the long-term development of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

Open Access Data Centres is part of the WIOCC Group and operates open-access, world-class data centres across Africa, serving cloud providers, network operators, enterprises, and public sector institutions.


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Kaspersky Launches OT Calculator to Align Cybersecurity Investments with Business Goals

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Kaspersky’s new online tool has been specially developed for industrial organisations to assess the potential costs associated with insufficient operational technology (OT) security.

By offering detailed financial forecasts, the calculator empowers senior management to make well-informed decisions regarding security investments.

Industrial organisations increasingly depend on interconnected systems, elevating cybersecurity to a critical factor in business resilience and profitability.

According to VDC Research, over 60% of industrial companies last year reported that cybersecurity breaches had led to significant costs. Despite this, a persistent disconnect remains between security teams and executive leadership as security professionals focus on minimising risk, while executives must balance cybersecurity concerns with broader business objectives. This misalignment often results in competing priorities and underfunded security initiatives.

To bridge this gap, Kaspersky has launched the OT Cybersecurity Savings Calculator, an innovative online tool designed specifically for industrial organisations to assess the potential costs of inadequate operational technology (OT) security¹.

The primary aim of this tool is to translate cyber risks into tangible financial metrics and support strategic discussions around priorities and budget allocation. By entering details such as their sector, sub-sector, region, company size, breach history, and existing cybersecurity measures, organisations can estimate their potential cost savings and receive customised, actionable recommendations.

The calculator benchmarks performance against industry peers and highlights the company’s position within the current threat landscape.

“We believe this calculator is a powerful resource for transforming complex cyber risk data into straightforward financial insights. It enables OT leaders, security professionals, and executive teams to develop clear, data-driven business cases and recognise the value of cybersecurity investments. With actionable guidance, it promotes a comprehensive approach to resource management and strengthens overall organisational resilience,” comments Andrey Strelkov, Head of Industrial Cybersecurity Product line at Kaspersky.


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