Young girls have been charged to prepare themselves for future careers that will be premised on ICT knowledge and expertise.

L-R: Head of Contact Center, Globacom Limited, Kemi Fadipe; 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; Convener, Girls-In-ICT/CEO, e-Business Life Communication Limited, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro; 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 at the just-concluded eBusiness Life Int’l Girls in ICT Day Celebration held in Lagos

Speaking at the International Girls in ICT event organised by eBusiness Life Communications Limited last Thursday, corporate organisations that gathered for the 12th edition of the year long campaign spoke on diverse expectations from the young girls, and how to position them to bridge the gender gap in the ICT career field.

In his keynote address at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Head Corporate Communication, NCC, Nnenna Ukoha, noted that there is a need to provide girls with quality STEM education as a means of bridging the gender divide, while also challenging the gender stereotype; and provide positive role models for young girls to look up to.

Quoting the Global Gender Gap Report (2023), which states that women comprise only 29.2% of STEM workforce in 146 nations evaluated, compared to nearly 50% on non-STEM occupations, Dr. Maida lamented the “underrepresentation of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

“As we look around us, we witness the impactful influence of technology in all facets of our existence. Technology, from communications to healthcare, education to entertainment, has emerged as the primary catalyst for advancement and growth. Nonetheless, despite the significant progress we have achieved, there is a noticeable gender gap in the ICT sector.”

Referencing the 2024 theme, Leadership’’, Convener, Girls-In-ICT/CEO, e-Business Life Communication Limited, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro, 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.

She noted that ICT holds limitless possibilities, especially for women. “It is a realm where creativity knows no bounds, innovation thrives, and dreams are transformed into reality through lines of code and digital solutions. Yet, despite its vast potential, the representation of women in this field remains disproportionately low.

Today, we challenge that narrative. We stand united to break down barriers, defy stereotypes, and pave the way for a future where every girl, regardless of background or circumstance, feels empowered to pursue her passion for technology.”

Young women and girls need to see themselves as change-makers in the field, and they need to be able to see clear routes to become leaders in the field.”

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.

She said that as the world continues to experience tremendous unprecedented digital transformation with the rise of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies, it cannot afford to leave girls and women, which represent 50%, behind.

“It is high time to turn all this around. To all the young girls out there, the tech sector needs you. Your ideas, creativity, and perspectives are essential if gender equality will become a reality. We need you to step into leading roles to challenge the stereotypes, and to contribute to building a better future that benefits everyone.”

Head of Contact Center, Globacom Limited, Kemi Fadipe noted that the event not only pursues individual development, but also crucial for fostering gender equality and societal progress. She charged the students to get more serious with excellence in STEM subjects to excel in male dominated fields. She encouraged them on critical thinking and problem solving, which is essential in addressing complex challenges and driving innovation, among other things that make up good leadership, including truthfulness, resilience, objectivity, inspiring, sense of purpose, strategic thinking, integrity, honesty and ethical behavior.

Deputy Managing Director/COO, VDT Communications, Bimbo Ikumariegbe, while charging the girls to be focused in their choice, as making the wrong choice of online may ruin them and foil their chances of becoming great leaders. “Look to the future and ask yourself ‘can I get there?’”

In her submission, the Business Development Manager at inq Digital, Sandra Nwaigwe, encouraged the young girls to start building up themselves for the future. According to her: “As young people, you need to find your best feet in ICT so that when the time comes you will be able to raise your head so high like the women that have done great things.”

Awards were also given to deserving corporate and individuals that have distinguished themselves in grooming young girls and helping them to upskill.

The reciepients were the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); Digital Strategist & Founder, MissTechy – Nigeria’s Female Tech Blog, Ayeni Oluwatobi Dorcas, also known professionally as Miss Techy; and Head of Network and Solutions at Information Connectivity Solutions Limited (ICSL), Tinuade Oguntuyi.

Receiving the corporate Award on behalf of the NITDA DG, Manager, South-West Zonal office, Mrs. Jumoke Alaka, appreciated the organisers and pledged the Agency’s commitment towards encouraging girls in the area of STEM and ICT career.

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.

Partners with eBusiness Life Communication Limited for this year’s event included the NCC, NITDA, Globacom, Digital Encode, VDT Communications, Digital Realty, Huawei Technologies, Inq Digital, and CocaCola.

Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) has revealed plans to launch a satellite into orbit, co-designed and dedicated to the Nigerian Army to enhance the military’s capabilities and boost operations.

Mrs Jane Egerton, managing director/chief executive officer, NIGCOMSAT disclosed this during a visit to Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, chief of army staff.

Mrs Egerton said the decision was taken considering the severity of the service being rendered by the Nigerian Army to the nation in the fight against emerging threats.

The NIGCOMSAT boss acknowledged the long standing relations with the Army and its zeal in tackling security challenges in the country.

She noted that the partnership between the two bodies is expected to have far-reaching implications for the country’s military operations and national security and leverage satellite technology to drive economic growth and development.

In his remarks, the COAS stressed the need to partner with the NIGCOMSAT to enhance communication capabilities and improve military operations.

Lagbaja said the partnership was crucial to providing reliable and secure communication services and enabling the Nigerian Army to access a wide range of satellite-based services, including telecommunications, navigation, and surveillance, which will significantly improve its operational efficiency and effectiveness.

The army chief lauded the vital role of NIGCOMSAT, which serves as a formidable foundation for NA operations, especially in the North-East and North-West regions.

He reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to Executive Order 5 of President Bola Tinubu compelling departments and agencies to patronise made-in-Nigeria goods.

He described NIGCOMSAT products as top-notch and affirmed his desire to expand the frontier of cooperation and partnership that exists between NIGCOMSAT and the Nigerian Army.

Nigerian Army chief also pledged to support the communication company in the launch of its new satellite into space to improve NA operations.

SpaceX’s Starlink has announced a significant price increase for its global roaming plan, which provides satellite internet service worldwide.

This plan has been used by subscribers to access Starlink in countries where the service is not officially available, such as Ghana.

Last week, subscribers to the “Mobile – Global” plan received emails from SpaceX informing them of the price increase.

Previously, United States users paid $200 per month for the service, but this will now double to $400 per month.

The new rate takes effect on August 16 for existing customers, while new customers will face the increased price immediately.

In addition to the US, the price hike affects other countries. An Australian user reported an increase from 300 Australian dollars to 670, while a customer in Zambia noted a similar rise.

SpaceX has been addressing the use of the global roaming plan in African countries where Starlink is not yet officially available.

Last month, the company emailed subscribers in Africa to clarify that the “Mobile – Regional” plans are intended for temporary travel, not permanent use.

This prompted concerns from NGOs, who urged SpaceX to maintain Starlink access in Sudan amid internet blackouts caused by civil conflict.

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Despite the increase in the global plan, the “Mobile – Regional” roaming plan remains at $150 per month.

SpaceX has also raised prices on other plans.

Some US residential subscribers have seen their monthly fee increase from $90 to $120, which the company attributes to changing capacity limits in their areas.

In Ghana, the administrative processes for licensing Starlink are underway.

Starlink, owned by SpaceX, operates a network of low-Earth orbit satellites providing high-speed broadband internet.

The standard residential internet service costs $120 per month for unlimited data, with a one-time equipment fee ranging from $599 to $2,500.

Currently, Starlink is available in seven African countries: Mozambique, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria.

However, a growing black market has enabled users to bypass local restrictions.

Reports have surfaced that SpaceX is cracking down on unauthorized access to Starlink in countries where it is not approved by regulators.

Customers in Sudan, Zimbabwe, and South Africa have received notifications that their access will be terminated by the end of the month.