Telecom
eBusiness Life Int’l Girls in ICT: Stakeholders Advocate Investment In Young Girls
Stakeholders that gathered for the 12th edition of the celebration of the International Girls in ICT Campaign organised by eBusiness Life Communication Limited in Lagos last Thursday, have called on parents and corporates to make concerted efforts at investing in the young girls to enable them prepare for tech careers of the future.
Convener, Girls-In-ICT/CEO, e-Business Life Communication Limited, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro (2nd from left); Manager, South-West Zonal office, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mrs. Jumoke Alaka, who represented the Director General of the Agency, Dr. Inuwa Abdulahi (far right); and Deputy Director, Head Corporate Communication, NCC, Nnenna Ukoha, who represented the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida (2nd from right; with winners of the STEM Quiz competition at the just-concluded eBusiness Life Int’l Girls in ICT Day Celebration held in Lagos.
In his keynote address at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida charged the girls to follow evolving trends in the world of technology and pursue excellence in order to make a difference in the workforce of the future.
Dr. Maida, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Head Corporate Communication, NCC, Nnenna Ukoha noted that there will always be gaps to be filled in the ICT field.
According to the NCC Boss, the significance of encouraging young girls and women to consider careers in ICT, stems from the fact that the gender represents half of the global population, and it will only be fair and equitable to seek their views and input in standards that are essential to the shaping of technology.
Furthermore, he noted that encouraging these girls is an investment in the future of the nation.
“The ICT sector offers exciting and well-paid career opportunities; from software development to data analysis, cybersecurity to artificial intelligence, the opportunities are endless. By encouraging more girls and women to enter the ICT field, we can help bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone has equal access to the opportunities of the digital age,” Maida opined.
He further encouraged young women to latch onto the provisions of Federal Government’s 3MTT initiative, which seeks to provide and empower young Nigerians with technology career opportunities in AI/Machine Learning; Data Analysis & Visualisation; User Interface (UI), User Design (UX) among others.
In a virtual message from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the Secretary General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin explained that the 2024 theme, “Leadership”, speaks to more than holding a job title or position of power, but about harnessing the power of ideas and innovation, and the ability to navigate change with confidence even as a student.
“Right now, just 21% of all ICT Ministers are women, and only 32 out of 165 ICT regulators are led by a woman. In the highest positions of government, gender equality will not be reached for another 130 years. In the private sector women in technologists occupy less than a third of positions and face a pay gap of up to 21%. Just 22% of AI workers globally are women. And the hiring rate of women in tech leadership roles has stalled. When we look at C-Suite roles in STEM, just 1 in 8 is held by a woman.”
She called for investment in girl education, mentorship and skill-building opportunities so they can not only succeed but thrive as digital trailblazers.
Manager, South-West Zonal office, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mrs. Jumoke Alaka, who represented the Director General of the Agency, Dr. Inuwa Abdulahi, highlighted the numerous opportunities inherent in the ICT sector, and implored the young girls to stay away from negative sides of technology as a means of impacting the society positively. She encouraged them to also read hard copy materials as a means of retaining knowledge and referencing. She encouraged them to read more of hard copy materials to avoid distractions and easy switch to unnecessary Apps that come with reading from gadgets.
Mrs. Alaka also charged parents to guide their children on the beneficial use of ICT gadgets.
While taking the young girls on an insightful tech-talk session, Digital Strategist and Founder, ‘MissTechy’ – Nigeria’s top Female Tech Blog and video channel, Oluwatobi Ayeni, charged them to be inquisitive and explore ICT. This, she noted, will help them develop interest that will culminate into driving initiatives and filling gaps in technology.
CEO, MyHealthHub, Dr. (Mrs.) Ochuko Ibe while taking the girls on a health talk, challenged them to look at situations around them and seek ways of plugging gaps with technology. She referenced her journey through different fields and how she developed a passion for technology and now uses it to bridge medical gap in rural and underserved areas.
In her welcome address, Convener, Girls-In-ICT/CEO, e-Business Life Communication Limited, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro, citing ITU’s estimate of skills shortfall of over two million jobs in the ICT sector within the next five years, said girls and young women who learn coding, apps development and computer science will not only be well-placed for a successful career in the ICT sector, but ICT skills that are rapidly becoming a strong advantage for students in just about any other field they might choose to pursue. “Girls with ICT skills can expect to earn good salaries and enjoy plenty of career opportunities.
Girls in ICT Day reminds us that ICTs help to improve the lives of people everywhere – through better health care, better environmental management, better communications, and better educational systems that transform the way children and adults learn.”
Referencing the 2024 theme, Mrs. Daro noted: “While there is a leadership gender gap in every industry, the largest gaps are found in the STEM fields. Women in ICT often find themselves in junior or support roles rather than in managerial roles, with little opportunity for advancement. They are also less likely to hold an executive position, become ICT entrepreneurs, or be represented among science and technology policymakers.
To thrive in STEM, girls and young women must be exposed to women in leadership positions, fostering inspiration and breaking down barriers that hinder their progress. The Girls in ICT Day 2024 theme aims to address these challenges, encouraging empowerment and leadership development for a more equitable future in STEM.”
The event was attended by 170 students from 17 schools across Lagos and Ogun States, and several other guests from the corporate world.
Activities at the event included STEM Quiz and Vlogging competitions; Students roundtable, which was anchored by foremost journalist, Louisa Olaniyi, random quiz and entertainments.
In the Vlogging competition, moderated by tech enthusiast, Digital Strategist and Founder, ‘MissTechy’ – Nigeria’s top Female Tech Blog, Oluwatobi Ayeni, Reagan Memorial Baptist Girls Secondary School, Yaba to the First Prize, while the Second and Third Prizes went to Chrisland College, Ikeja and The Lagoon School, Lekki.
In the STEM Quiz Competition, the top prize went to The Lagoon School, Lekki, while Baptist Girls Academy, Obanikoro and Government Senior College, Agege settled for the 2nd and 3rd positions.
The Event got partnership and support from the NCC, NITDA, Globacom, Digital Encode, VDT Communications, Digital Realty, Huawei Technologies, Inq Digital, and CocaCola.
This year’s theme for the International Girls in ICT campaign is ‘Leadership’ as stated by the ITU.
Legend Internet Plc has reported a loss for the six months ended January 31, 2026, as rising operating costs and finance charges weighed on earnings, according to its latest management financial statements filed on the NGX platform.
The company posted revenue of N505.36 million for the period, down from N622.64 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, reflecting a contraction in topline performance.
Despite generating a gross profit of N322.99 million, Legend Internet’s profitability was eroded by elevated administrative expenses, which surged significantly to N457.62 million from N166.78 million in the prior year.
This drove the company to an operating loss of N134.63 million, compared to an operating profit of N244.55 million a year earlier.
Finance costs further pressured the bottom line, rising to N64.71 million, while interest income provided only a limited offset.
Consequently, the company recorded a loss after tax of N99.34 million, a sharp reversal from the N239.85 million profit posted in the same period of 2025.
Earnings per share also declined into negative territory, closing at a loss of 11 kobo compared with earnings of 12 kobo in the prior period.
A review of the company’s financial position showed total assets increased to N3.45 billion as of January 2026, up from N3.21 billion in July 2025, driven largely by growth in cash and cash equivalents and receivables.
However, shareholders’ funds weakened to N2.55 billion from N2.80 billion, reflecting the impact of the reported loss and dividend payments.
Cash flow analysis indicates that net cash used in operating activities stood at N237.48 million, highlighting liquidity pressure in the core business.
This was partially offset by financing inflows, including loans, which helped lift cash balances during the period.
Further breakdown showed personnel costs rose markedly to N153.50 million, underscoring increased staff-related expenses, while depreciation and amortisation charges remained significant due to ongoing investments in network infrastructure.
The results underlined the pressure on smaller telecom and internet service providers navigating high operating costs, currency volatility, and infrastructure demands within Nigeria’s competitive digital services market.
Airtel Africa has emerged as the standout large-cap performer on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), recording a 10 per cent gain in a single trading week and reinforcing its position as one of Africa’s most resilient and valuable telecommunications companies.
The telecoms giant closed the week at ₦3,655.70 per share, up from ₦3,323.40, making it one of the strongest contributors to market performance during a period characterised by selective investor activity and sector rotation.
The strong performance reflects growing investor confidence in Airtel Africa’s business fundamentals, diversified revenue streams, and long-term growth strategy. Analysts note that the company continues to attract attention from investors seeking stable, high-quality stocks capable of delivering sustainable value despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties.
Unlike many of the week’s gainers, whose performance was largely driven by speculative trading and short-term market positioning, Airtel Africa’s rise was underpinned by confidence in its operational strength and strategic importance within the telecommunications sector.
Market watchers have identified Airtel Africa as a preferred investment destination due to its strong earnings profile, extensive regional footprint, and exposure to foreign currency-linked revenue streams. These factors have helped position the company as a key stabiliser within the NGX, particularly at a time when investors are increasingly selective in deploying capital.
The company’s performance also highlights the growing importance of telecommunications firms in driving economic growth and digital transformation across Africa. Through continued investments in network expansion, digital services, enterprise solutions, and financial inclusion initiatives, Airtel Africa remains at the forefront of enabling connectivity and economic opportunity for millions of people across the continent.
Beyond its stock market performance, Airtel Africa continues to strengthen its position through investments in digital infrastructure, mobile financial services, and technology-driven solutions that support businesses, governments, and communities. These initiatives have become increasingly important as demand for connectivity and digital services continues to accelerate across Africa.
Airtel Africa’s latest performance underscores confidence in the company’s long-term prospects and its ability to create sustainable value for shareholders. The milestone also reflects the market’s recognition of Airtel Africa’s role in shaping Africa’s digital future through innovation, connectivity, and inclusive growth.
With telecommunications remaining a critical enabler of economic development, Airtel Africa’s strong showing on the NGX serves as another indicator of the company’s continued momentum and leadership within the sector.
AVEVA, a global leader in industrial software, will host the first edition of AVEVA Day Nigeria, on 11 June 2026 at the EKO Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
AVEVA
Built around the theme, “Driving the Transformation: Leveraging Digital Technologies and AI to Achieve Operational Excellence, Increase Efficiency and Reduce Emissions,” the one-day event will bring together industry leaders to discuss how AI, Digital Twin, and cloud-native industrial platforms are transforming the design, construction, and operation of assets.
The event will host AVEVA leadership, technical experts, customers, ecosystem partners, EPCs, and decision-makers from across Nigeria’s energy and process industries.
Nigeria’s industrial sector is entering a new phase with operators under pressure to improve operational reliability, cut emissions, and unlock gas monetisation opportunities cost-effectively. Digital technologies have emerged as a key enabler of this balancing act.
The International Energy Agency’s Africa Energy Outlook highlights the growing role of AI and digital tools in balancing Africa’s energy ambitions with its sustainability goals. At the same time, initiatives such as the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020–2030) and Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy are helping create the foundation for wider adoption.
Khaled Salah, Vice President – Africa, AVEVA, said: “Nigeria’s industrial economy is one of the most dynamic industrial markets in the EMEA region. As industries navigate growing demands around efficiency, sustainability, and resilience, technologies such as digital twin, industrial AI, and connected ecosystems are becoming central to transformation strategies. Through AVEVA Day Nigeria, we want to bring our global expertise closer to local industry leaders and demonstrate how the convergence of AI and industrial software can help local enterprises compete, and lead, on the world stage.”
Hanno Van Niekerk, Market Leader – Sub Saharan Africa, AVEVA said: “Nigeria has the scale, resources, and industrial ambition to become one of the leading energy and industrial hubs in the region. With continued investments in power infrastructure, and industrial development, the country is well positioned to drive long-term economic growth and strengthen energy access across Africa. At AVEVA, we are proud to support this journey by helping organisations leverage digital innovation to enhance operational performance, accelerate transformation, and advance sustainability goals.”
The event will begin with a welcome note from Khaled Salah, followed by a keynote from Gaurav Panpaliya, Enterprise Architect, AVEVA, on how AI-enabled Digital Twins are guiding industries towards autonomous, sustainable operations, supported by examples from global energy companies.
It will also feature interactive round table discussions hosted by Gururaj Purohit, structured around three focus tracks – Design & Build track, that will engage EPCs, capital project teams, and engineering companies, the Operate & Optimise track covering enterprise visualisation, process optimisation, asset reliability, AI/ML-based predictive analytics, and Predictive Asset Optimisation (PAO) and the IT/OT and Data Management track, focusing on the CONNECT industrial intelligence platform and how it underpins next-generation industrial operations.
Attendees will get a chance to explore the full scope of AVEVA’s industrial intelligence capabilities through a series of focused technical and industry sessions along with dedicated customer and partner presentation slots throughout the day.
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