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eBusiness Life Girls In ICT: Stakeholders Call For More Action On Girls Participation In ICT
After 13 years of organizing the Girls in ICT Day celebration, a campaign that seeks to mentor young girls to develop interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics); and seek careers in information and Communications Technology (ICT), stakeholders that gathered for the 13th edition which recently held in Lagos, has applauded the successes recorded in Nigeria.
The stakeholders, who also noted that more work need to be put in, further disclosed the need to have young girls ascribing for roles in ICT as a means of guarding their future and contributing to the growth of all sectors in the economy.
Speaking in her opening remark, Convener and CEO of eBusiness Life Communication Limited, organisers of the campaign, which had girls from 10 different schools in and around Lagos State and corporates from the ICT industry in attendance, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro noted that calls and letters from participating students from past editions of the event are testaments to the impact the campaign is having on Nigerian girls.
“From this very platform, we have been able to raise a lot of girls. Some of them are already working. I have received a good number of mails from them thanking me for how that helped them change their perceptions, and they are now studying ICT-related causes. The numbers are getting better and it will continue to get better. We will continue to do this campaign to see it getting better,” Mrs. Daro disclosed.
“We cannot gather all the girls in Nigeria in one room, but there is a need to spread the news, even as we are streaming this activity live on YouTube and Instagram.”
Reeling out the figures, she quoted an ITU statistics that showed the progress made, disclosing that since its inception in 2011, there has been 377,000 girls and young women taking up careers in ICT and 11,400 celebrations in over 171 countries. It is not just in Nigeria, but all over the world.
While encouraging the girls to change the stereotype that bequeaths ICT careers to boys, she noted the abysmal statistics that need to change. “While women make up about 47% of the global workforce, they are underrepresented in STEM. Just 3% of students joining ICT courses globally are women.”
This year, the theme, ‘Girls in ICTs: Bridging ALL Divides for an Inclusive Digital Transformation’, underscores the need not just to participate, but to lead the world in digital transformation.
Mrs. Emuophedaro called on corporate bodies, governments and other stakeholders to create a conducive environment and an inclusive tech space for girls everywhere.
She also charged the girls to believe in themselves and take up the challenge.
“Do girls use technology? Yes! But that is not all we want. Apart from using, we want them to create technology. Also no matter what sector you are in, you need to have some in-depth knowledge of technology. “
In her global message Secretary General of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin noted that ITU is committed to empowering 100 million girls with digital stills and called on partnerships to achieve this.
She stated: “We celebrate the power and potentials of girls and young women as leaders, creators and change-makers in the digital age. 189 fewer women than men are using the internet in 2024. That is too many missed opportunities to learn.”
She encouraged governments and corporate organisations to support the campaign to build a crop of girls of the future.
Also speaking at the event, Vertical Head, High Net-worth Individuals, Globacom, Adeboye Adeniji, noted that Globacom that believes in the power of Nigeria’s talents, especially the amazing potentials in young, vibrant, brilliant and beautiful girls.
“We live in a world powered by technology, from the phones we use, to the Apps we love, to the networks that connect us, for example, Globacom. ICT is everywhere. You belong in that world, you are the future, not just as users, but as leaders, creators and innovators,” she encouraged the girls.
She further noted that when girls have the tools, the training and the confidence, there is no limit to what they can achieve. “Whether you dream of becoming a Software Engineer, a Robotic Expert, a cyber-security Analyst, or even the next big tech CEO, everything is possible. Don’t let anyone tell you tech is only for boys. That is simply not true.
You are smart and smart enough to work in tech, to build your own tech company. You are strong enough, and you have every right to dream as big as you want. So, keep learning, stay curious, ask questions, and never be afraid to try. Because the future of technology isn’t just built in Labs and Boardrooms, it is being built here in classrooms like yours. From all of us in Globacom, we believe in you, we support you, and we can’t wait to see how you change the world.”
In her presentation, Head, Cybersecurity & Compliance Advisory, Digital Encode, Bisola Oladejo, encouraged the girls to stay on top of any career path they may choose, and to research the available options in the field of ICT, as there are so many career paths in ICT.
Speaking on why girls matter in ICT, she said they bring uniqueness and colour, making Apps interesting.
She also noted that ICT is important to girls because it affords and empowers them with skills, opportunities and confidence to thrive in a digital world, breaking gender barriers and unlocking social and economic potentials.
Oladejo however noted the root causes of low female participation in ICT to include, limited STEM education in schools; social media distraction; low funding, lack of adequate access to internet and ICT gadgets; gender bias from families; cyber-bullying, among others.
She called on governments to formulate deliberate initiatives that target female inclusivity in ICT, and to partner with NGOs and ease private sector initiatives.
The event saw the girls compete in STEM Quiz competition, Robot programming competition and Students’ Roundtable, winning prices and receiving gifts from the organisers.
Also, Awards were also giving to two deserving women in ICT – Funmilola Victoria Omojola (ICT Touch Holder Award) and Dr. Nihinlola Mary Fafore (ICT Advocacy Award).
The International Girls in ICT Day is an initiative of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) that seeks to bridge the gender divide in ICT related careers by encouraging girls to build a foundation that will position them in tech-related jobs of the future.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of African technology, few figures bridge the gap between high-level research and grassroots digital execution as effectively as Nnaemeka Ani.
Nnaemeka Ani
As the Founder of MGX Research Center and the visionary behind MexyGabriel, Ani has emerged as a leading protagonist in the narrative of Nigeria’s technological self-reliance.
The Visionary: Founding MGX Research
At the heart of Ani’s philosophy is MGX Research, a center dedicated to “first-principles thinking.” Under his leadership, the center has become a beacon for data-driven innovation, moving beyond the “hype” of the tech world to focus on persistent, localized solutions.
Through MGX Research Center, he is building a multidisciplinary ecosystem that cuts across artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, smart cities, digital identity, e-governance, EdTech, HealthTech, robotics, and automation
Ani’s mantra – “Africa’s rise begins with its own innovation” – is not just a slogan; it is a call to arms for African builders to stop seeking international validation and start authoring their own digital destiny.
As Founder and CEO of MexyGabriel Tech Company, Nnaemeka has driven multiple large-scale technology projects across Nigeria, focusing on digital infrastructure, enterprise solutions, identity and payment platforms, and youth-centered innovation programs. MGX Research Center functions as the research and development arm of this broader ecosystem, providing the thinking laboratory, prototypes, and strategic insights that inform products, policies, and investment decisions.
Nnaemeka is passionate about youth empowerment, innovation, and Africa’s digital future. His work through MGX Research Center aims to position Nigeria not just as a consumer of technology but as a creator of solutions, producing world-class research, thought leadership, and practical tools that can be deployed across states, universities, and private organizations.
He frequently collaborates with universities, government ministries, tech hubs, and global partners, championing a model where research is not locked up in theory but translated into deployable systems, smart policies, and scalable ventures.
Ani has demonstrated a unique ability to turn complex code into commercial and social value. His work has focused on:
- Infrastructure for Good: Developing platforms that bridge the divide between urban tech hubs and rural communities.
- Sovereign Technology: Championing the idea that African data should be managed by African-built systems.
The Public Servant: Digitizing Enugu State
Ani’s influence extends into the corridors of power. Serving as the Special Adviser to the Enugu State Governor on ICT, he has been instrumental in transforming the state into a burgeoning digital ecosystem.
His work in Enugu serves as a blueprint for “Governance-Tech Synergy,” proving that when political will meets technical expertise, public service delivery can be revolutionized.
“We are no longer just ’emerging’; we are competing. Africa will rise by code, by courage, and by us,” said Nnaemeka Ani.
Quick Facts: Nnaemeka Ani
Category | Detail |
Current Roles | Founder, MGX Research; Founder, MexyGabriel; SA on ICT to Enugu State Governor. |
Core Philosophy | “First-Principles Thinking” – Breaking problems down to their core truths. |
Key Advocacy | Digital Sovereignty, Sovereign AI, and localized STEM education. |
Notable Mantra | “By Code and By Courage.” |
Why He Matters in 2026
As Nigeria enters a transformative year marked by the January 1, 2026 Tax Reforms and the push toward 70% Broadband Penetration, Ani represents the “New Guard” of leadership. He is one of the few voices consistently advocating for the Tripod Method, balancing technology, local policing, and traditional authority, to ensure that Nigeria’s digital growth is matched by national security.
Nnaemeka Ani is not just as a “tech guy,” but as a Strategic Reformer. He is a “Leader to Watch” because he understands that for technology to thrive in Nigeria, it must be supported by sound policy and cultural relevance.
MTN Nigeria has hosted the Prestige Experience, a refined evening of culture, connection and celebration, as part of its ongoing Y’ellotide initiative marking the Yuletide season.
MTN Nigeria
The event, held on Friday at The Royal Box, Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together customers, partners, stakeholders, and dignitaries in an atmosphere of appreciation and festivity.
The Prestige Experience showcased Nigerian creativity and elegance through a curated blend of fine dining, fashion, and music. Guests were treated to Michelin-inspired cuisine prepared by renowned Chef Stone, fashion showcases highlighting African heritage, and soulful performances by acclaimed singer Asa.
The evening was anchored by popular hosts Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and Michelle Dede, with comedic interludes from veteran comedian Alibaba.
Speaking at the event, Dr Ernest Ndukwe (OFR), Chairman of MTN Nigeria, described the gathering as an expression of gratitude and partnership. He said the Prestige Experience reflected MTN’s appreciation for the trust Nigerians continue to place in the brand.
“The MTN Prestige Experience is a cornerstone of our commitment to you, our valued partners. Your trust and continued patronage are the bedrock of our success, and this gathering reflects our appreciation for that trust.
“We are not just a service provider but are committed to being a trusted partner in Nigeria’s progress,” Ndukwe said.
In his remarks, Dr Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, emphasised the importance of genuine connection during the festive season.
“We recognise the immense value of the relationships we have built together, and we are committed to ensuring that your experience remains unparalleled.
“You are essential partners in our journey, and we look forward to many more years of shared success and collaboration,” Toriola said.
Distinguished guests at the event included members of MTN’s Board and Executive Management, industry leaders, government officials, members of the diplomatic community, and representatives from the creative sector, reflecting the diversity and richness of the MTN ecosystem.
The Prestige Experience forms part of MTN’s broader Y’ellotide celebrations, which reaffirm the company’s belief that meaningful connections and shared experiences remain central to its relationship with Nigerians.
Google has unveiled a new feature that allows Gmail users to change their existing email addresses without losing data or access to services, marking a major shift in the company’s long-standing policy.
Gmail
According to an update on Google’s account help page, the new option enables account holders to replace their current @gmail.com address with a new one while retaining all associated data, including emails, photos, and integrations with services such as Google Drive, Maps, and YouTube.
The guidance, however, was first spotted on the Hindi version of Google’s support page, suggesting that the rollout may begin in India or Hindi-speaking markets before expanding globally.
The English-language support page still carries the older advisory that Gmail addresses “usually cannot be changed.”
Google explained that under the new policy, users who update their Gmail address will automatically keep their original address as an alias.
This means emails sent to the old address will continue to arrive in the inbox, and the original address will remain valid for signing in to Google services.
Previously, users seeking a new Gmail address had to create an entirely new account and manually transfer their data, a process that often disrupted third-party app integrations. The new feature eliminates that inconvenience, ensuring continuity for users.
The company further clarified that while users can reuse their old Gmail address at any time, accounts that change their address will face certain restrictions.
These include a 12-month waiting period before another new Gmail address can be created, and the inability to delete the newly chosen address once it has been set.
Google assured users that all existing data would remain intact after an address update, including stored photos, messages, and emails.
The gradual rollout of the feature indicates that full global adoption is expected in the coming months, a move likely to be welcomed by millions of users who have long requested the ability to update their Gmail identities without starting afresh.
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