Telecom
eBusinesslife’ Girls In ICT Day Celebration: Stakeholders Reaffirm to Support For Nigerian Girls
The recent event to celebrate the global campaign, the International Girls in ICT Day, organised by eBusinesslife in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other stakeholders in the industry, have placed more emphasis on grooming more young girls that will take up the challenge of exploring ICT-related careers.
The event which held on Thursday in Lagos, is part of a year-long campaign instituted by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to sensitize young girls to explore career options in ICT and related fields, which prior to now have been male-gender dominated.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro, convener and publisher, e-Business Life Communication Limited, aligned with a report by the ITU stating that the ICT sector remains a buoyant and growing sector for employment, and a key economic factor reinforcing both national and international development.
According to her, “Any professional job we can think of today has a strong tech component. Technology has become a critical tool in fields as diverse as art, history, archaeology, law, primary teaching, to mention but a few. As such, tech qualifications will give an advantage in a competitive job market, earn a high salary and give career mobility.”
While encouraging the students to tap into the future, Mrs Emuophedaro stated: “The future of the ICT sector promises to be an exciting one. It is estimated that within the next 10 years, there will be more than 2 million technology jobs that cannot be filled because of lack of qualified ICT specialists.”
In quoting a statement by the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, she said, “Gender equality is a human rights issue, but it is also in all our interests: men and boys, women and girls. Gender inequality and discrimination against women harms us all. There is overwhelming evidence that investing in women is the most effective way to lift communities, companies and countries. Women’s participation makes peace agreements stronger, societies more resilient and economies more vigorous… Gender equality is the unfinished business of our time.” She noted that that given the rising need for software engineers and web developers, and coupled with the projection that advances in gender equality can result in a $12 trillion boost to the global GDP by 2025, it is hardly surprising that the world is making more space for women in STEM.
She applauded female mentors with whose efforts more girls have and will dare to pursue careers in STEM in the near future. “On a global scale, we are heading towards 40% of women in tech positions in the next 5 -10 years. Let’s hope that in the future years, there will be more and more females in IT and science. We also don’t want companies to hire women because they have to, or because they feel pressured by society. Hire women because it’s worth it!”
Deputy Director, New Media and Information Security at NCC, Mrs. Olatokunbo Oyeleye, in her address, recalled that the ITU on April 8, 2011 announced the establishment of an International Girls in ICT Day to be held yearly on the fourth Thursday in April, which was a direct result of the adoption of its Resolution 70 – “Gender mainstreaming in ITU and promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women through Information and Communication Technology (ICT).” The Resolution was to incorporate a gender perspective in the implementation of all ITU programmes and plans.
Mrs. Oyeleye, who represented the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) Prof. Umar Danbatta cited examples of young girls that broke the gender barrier with exploits in STEM fields, noting: “And they are a proof that breaking gender norm should become the norm.”
He continues: “For gender norms to be broken, there needs to be a deliberate and intentional promotion in the field of STEM in our schools for girls, and this must start at a young age. This is vital when attempting to promote gender diversity within STEM. The STEM industry is crying out for more female talents to balance the gender inequality.”
Prof. Danbatta noted that the NCC has a series of initiatives to promote Child Online Protection (COP) within the nation. Educating children on ways they should keep themselves safe online, and avenues to report if they fall victim. Therefore the NCC invites participants to share their experiences and proffer solutions by sending an email to COP.
Nigeria, being a member state adopts the outcomes of ITU resolutions including Girls in ICT, which is celebrated across the nation.
Since the birth of Girls in ICT Day in 2011, over 377,000 girls and young women have taken part in more than 11,400 International Girl in ICT Day celebrations in 171 countries.
Speaking on the opportunities open in the field of ICT, General Manager, IT Operations, MTN Nigeria, Mrs. Yetunde Ojo enumerating that there is a wide variety of jobs in the industry noting that IT skills are transferable across industries and continents. She also observed that despite each job requiring a distinctive set of skills and personal traits, almost all IT jobs depend on strong technical knowledge. “But each has a different emphasis, whether the job centres on coding, managing hardware, applying software, data science or managing systems or people. In some companies one person performs multiple roles, in larger companies focus on a specialised skillset is expected. Technology is consistently evolving. There are always skills shortages in the latest Technology.”
She advised the young girls, to among other things, to practice using Technology, starting with simple tools such as Excel, Word and PowerPoint, then going through tutorial, identifying all the capabilities, and trying them out. “Self-develop, train, do certifications; Remain open minded; Attend free classes; Learn from friends; Keep researching and find out how you can be part of evolving Technology; Training and personally evolving is key. Self-training, company sponsored training, certification, use material on the internet, tutorials on Youtube, join communities.”
While noting that opportunities are always being created in this dynamic, growing field of ICT, Mrs. Ojo further advised the students to make the most of the opportunities and develop their knowledge and skills wherever they find themselves. “There’s always something you didn’t know before.”
President of Caleb Ayanwusi Foundation (CAF), Dr. Caleb Ayanwusi, in his speech stressed on the necessity to support the critical need for more girls and young women to have “important roles in the striving innovations and creativities in the ICT world.”
Represented by its Project Manager, Mrs. Ejiinkeonye Nice, Ayanwusi noted that the Foundation, in collaborating with eBusinesslife in creating awareness about the gender digital divide and supporting technology, education and skill training, is encouraging girls and young women to actively seek careers in ICT with interest in STEM, thereby improving their problem solving abilities in general.
“Indeed we are proud to be part of this global event & would be very happy, if every one of these girls/young women will further from here to become the best ICT professionals the world will know in the future.”
In her speech, Quality Assurance Engineer, SystemSpecs, Jane Amaife, noted that gender roles are the makings of a society developed and practised over time, but today, although held back by societal models of the past, stereotypes are being shattered.
While assuring the girls that they could be whatever they desire, Amaife frowned at the challenges that still need to be surmounted in the sector. These she said include the fact that more than half of university graduates are female, yet only a handful venture into ICT, with only about 4 in 10 female graduates in STEM, a number which she said reduces as they progress in their education.
Also with gender segregation in the labour market, females occupy less than 30% of jobs in ICT with few of the women in decision-making roles. Other challenges, she said, include insufficient female role models; lack of awareness and resources and societal roles imposed on women.
Amaife, however lined up some career opportunities to include in fields such as Informatics, Web and multimedia (Arts, graphic design, UI/UX design), Hardware development and medical informatics, which includes scientific informatics, ERP systems, supply chain management systems (SCM) and CRM systems.
In her presentation that demonstrated practical issues around the challenges that women face in a career in ICT, Voice/Edge Specialist, Inq Digital Nigeria, Olanrewaju Justice-Anyi noted that one of the major challenges include opportunities in workplace. She however encouraged that this can be overcome by the young girls by trying to be the best in the ICT field they have chosen because when they are good, they cannot be overlooked.
Justice-Anyi challenged the students to be innovative and be dogged in their chosen career despite challenges they may face because they can do as good as any other person on the career path.
The event attracted support from the nation’s telecommunication regulatory body, NCC, MTN Nigeria, Galaxy Backbone, VDT Communications, Inq Digital, SystemSpecs and Caleb Ayanwusi Foundation.
With the theme, “Expand Horizons, Change Attitudes: Breaking Gender Norms in Career Choices”, the event featured graphic Design Competition among participating schools; quiz competition among students, Roundtable discussion by students and outstanding achievement Awards to the NCC, VDT Communications, and the Founder and Executive Director, Cybersafe Foundation, Constance Staveley for their contributions in the growth of ICT and support for Girls-In-ICT campaign.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has urged for the development of a more comprehensive framework for tracking investments in the telecommunications sector, saying current capital importation data does not fully reflect the level of investment being made by operators.
The association made the call while reacting to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Q1 2026 Capital Importation Report, which showed a decline in foreign capital inflows into the telecommunications sector from $80.78 million in 2025 to $7.24 million in the first quarter of 2026.
In a statement jointly signed by Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, ALTON Chairman, the association commended the NBS for its efforts in tracking investment flows across key sectors of the economy, but stressed the need for a broader assessment of investments within the telecom industry.
According to ALTON, while foreign capital inflows have declined, telecommunications operators continue to make substantial investments in network infrastructure, technology upgrades and operational expansion through domestic funding sources and reinvested earnings.
The association also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the 50 per cent tariff increase approved in 2025, describing the policy as a critical intervention that helped stabilise the sector during a difficult period.
ALTON said the tariff adjustment addressed revenue sustainability challenges, restored operational viability and enabled operators to shift from financial distress to a growth-oriented model characterised by increased capital reinvestment.
“The timely intervention enabled operators to transition from financial distress to a sustainable, growth-focused model characterised by significant capital reinvestment,” the statement noted.
Providing insight into the sector’s investment profile, ALTON disclosed that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), tower companies and other industry players invested a total of ₦2.13 trillion in capital expenditure (CAPEX) in 2025. It added that operators have earmarked another ₦1.86 trillion for capital projects in 2026.
The planned investments, according to the association, will support network expansion, technology enhancement and other critical infrastructure projects aimed at improving service quality and coverage nationwide.
ALTON argued that the disparity between reported foreign capital inflows and actual capital expenditure points to a gap in the way sectoral investments are currently measured and reported.
It noted that a significant portion of telecom sector investments now comes from domestic capital sources and reinvested operational earnings, which may not be adequately captured under existing foreign capital importation metrics.
To address this challenge, the association proposed a collaborative engagement involving the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to develop a more inclusive investment-tracking framework.
According to ALTON, a transparent and comprehensive investment reporting system would provide a more accurate picture of the sector’s contribution to the economy, strengthen investor confidence and enhance Nigeria’s attractiveness as a destination for telecommunications investment.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to working with regulators and government agencies to ensure the sector’s contributions to national development are properly documented and recognized.
ALTON also assured Nigerians that telecommunications operators remain committed to continuous investments in network expansion, modernisation, resilience and service quality improvement.
It added that sustained collaboration among government, regulators and industry stakeholders would ensure uninterrupted access to digital services that drive economic growth, innovation, financial inclusion and national development.
QNET, a global wellness and lifestyle-focused direct selling company, has taken note of media reports regarding the recent operation by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Lagos State, which led to the rescue of several individuals and the arrest of suspects allegedly involved in human trafficking, unlawful detention, and fraudulent activities.
QNET
QNET unequivocally condemns all forms of human trafficking, fraud, exploitation, unlawful detention, and other criminal acts. We commend the NSCDC for its swift intervention and for prioritising the safety and welfare of those affected.
While investigations are ongoing, QNET wishes to state clearly that it does not offer employment opportunities, overseas job placements, visas, migration services, or guaranteed financial returns in exchange for payment. Any individual or group making such representations is acting without the knowledge, authorization, or consent of the company.
Commenting on the incident, Biram Fall, Regional General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at QNET, said: “Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by this unfortunate situation.
“We wish to reiterate that QNET does not offer jobs, overseas employment opportunities, visa services, or financial guarantees in exchange for payment. These are among the most common tactics used by fraudsters to exploit vulnerable individuals.
“We encourage the public to remain vigilant, verify information through our official channels, and report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities. Protecting the public and safeguarding the integrity of our brand remain top priorities for QNET.”
QNET maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards fraud, misrepresentation, and unethical conduct. The company actively enforces its Code of Ethics and Compliance Framework and takes disciplinary action against any Independent Distributor found to be in breach of its policies.
Since commencing operations in Nigeria through its local partner, Transblue Limited, in 2022, QNET has intensified its collaboration with government institutions, consumer protection agencies, law enforcement bodies, and the media to combat scams and misinformation associated with its brand.
These efforts include the launch of the “Say NO!” Anti-Fraud Campaign in November 2023, as well as strategic partnerships with the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Beyond Nigeria, similar initiatives have been implemented in Ghana, Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Sierra Leone under the broader QNET Against Scams campaign.
These programmes are designed to educate communities on how to identify legitimate business opportunities, recognise common scam tactics, and avoid becoming victims of fraudulent schemes perpetrated in the company’s name.
QNET remains committed to working alongside governments, regulators, law enforcement agencies, media organisations, and civil society groups to combat fraud, protect consumers, and promote ethical entrepreneurship across Africa.
Members of the public are encouraged to verify information about QNET, its products, and its business model through the company’s official website, www.qnet.net.
Individuals who encounter suspicious recruitment activities, fraudulent job offers, visa schemes, or any misuse of the QNET name are urged to report such incidents through QNET’s compliance and integrity channels.
Suspected cases may be reported via WhatsApp on +233 2566 30005 or by email at [email protected]. All reports are handled confidentially and investigated in accordance with QNET’s compliance procedures.
For more information about QNET and its anti-fraud initiatives, visit www.qnet.net.
Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has rejected reports claiming it backed a major shake-up of Nigeria’s airtime credit market or secured presidential approval for new operators to enter the space.
In a statement at the weekend, the commission said it had no knowledge of the alleged plan and was not part of any process said to be opening the sector to nine fintech firms.
The clarification follows widespread media reports suggesting that President Bola Tinubu had approved a restructuring of the airtime credit ecosystem under the administration’s “Nigeria First” policy.
The reports also claimed the move would allow new players to compete in a market long dominated by telecom operators and their existing partners.
The companies mentioned in the reports include Technotrends Platforms Nigeria Limited, Total Tim Nigeria Limited, Fonyou Technologies Nigeria Limited, Rane Interactive Medien CLS Limited, MRS Innovation Nigeria Limited, Mode NG Applications Nigeria Limited, ERL Telecoms Service Limited, Cloud Interactive Associate Limited and Coverage Broadband Limited.
Some of the publications further suggested that the reform could unlock a market valued at about N3 trillion annually.
However, industry estimates generally place the size of Nigeria’s airtime credit and related digital lending space at between N300 billion and N400 billion.
But the FCCPC dismissed the entire narrative, insisting it was not involved in any approval process or regulatory announcement linked to the claims.
“The Commission wishes to state clearly that it is not aware of, and was not involved in, the claims attributed to it in the report,” the agency said through Ondaje Ijagwu, director of Corporate Affairs.
The commission also clarified that its Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending (DEON) regulations remain suspended.
According to the FCCPC, the suspension followed an interim court order issued by the Federal High Court in Lagos on April 15, in a case filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN).
It stressed that as a public institution, it is fully complying with the court directive and will not enforce the regulations until the matter is fully resolved in court, with the next hearing scheduled for July 20, 2026.
The agency added that it remains committed to due process and will continue to handle the issue strictly within the boundaries of the law.
In simple terms, the FCCPC says it is not driving any airtime market overhaul, has not approved new entrants, and is currently waiting on the courts before taking any regulatory action.
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