inq.Nigeria, a leading-edge global solutions provider, has called for the support of the girl-child to occupy the driver’s seat in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) ecosystem and technology advancement.
This is in line with its resolve to continue to encourage gender equality and bridge the gap in the work environment in the ICT space.
The call to action was made during the celebration of this year’s International Girls in ICT Day, which is aimed at recognising and empowering girls and women in ICT-related careers. Organised by E-Business Life Communication Limited and supported by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the 12th edition took place at Oriental Hotel, Lagos under the theme, ‘Leadership’.
Managing Director of inq. Nigeria, Mr. Ifeanyi Akosionu emphasised the importance of efforts and policies aimed at equipping youth with digital skills. He highlighted the company’s collaboration with relevant bodies and stakeholders to create an enabling environment for young girls and women to pursue careers in the ICT sector.
Akosionu stressed the need to bridge the gender gap in ICT, emphasising that special attention must be given to attracting girls to ICT fields to prevent further divide.
He underscored the significance of preparing the girl-child for the future by acquiring digital skills, noting that ICT proficiency is essential for survival in the future.
Akosionu advocated for investment in early ICT education, affirmative action in hiring women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, and a shift in socio-cultural beliefs to encourage women’s participation in those core areas. He further said that investing in the girl-child’s education ultimately benefits the nation as a whole.
“inq. Nigeria and all the other inq. entities remain dedicated to investing in early ICT education, particularly focusing on empowering the girl-child. This commitment serves as the cornerstone of our partnership and unwavering support for this commendable initiative”, Akosionu further said.
The convener of the forum, Ufuoma Emuophedaro highlighted the growing interest in digital skills across Africa but emphasised the need for greater emphasis in Nigeria. Emuophedaro, who is also Publisher of eBusiness Life magazine, underscored the global imperative for increased female participation in the ICT sector, given the projected reliance on technology for future job roles.
She expressed gratitude to inq. Nigeria for their steadfast support of the Girls in ICT initiative and praised the company’s mentorship program, providing valuable experience for young girls in the ICT field.
In the quiz competition to commemorate the International Girls in ICT Day, The Lagoon School, Lekki, Lagos came top, while Reagan Memorial Baptist Girls High School, Yaba, Lagos finished top in the vlogging competition, amongst schools that participated in the event.
Offering innovative business-relevant services in digital, cloud, intelligent connectivity and security solutions in Nigeria, inq. is a leading-edge solutions provider with a presence in over seven African countries (Nigeria, Botswana, Zambia, Cameron, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa and Malawi).
