The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Branch has made a case for more empowerment for girls and women in the Information Technology sector.
The youth body made the call during its tech competition organised for students of secondary schools across the council area recently.
According to the coordinator of the youth body, Engineer Adigun Ibrahim, the event held at the multi-purpose hall of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye council secretariat was to commemorate this year’s United Nations International Girls In ICT Day and advocate support for women in the technology-driven sector.
Addressing the audience which comprised students from secondary schools, government functionaries, management members of the youth body, and its affiliate organizations amongst others, Adigun described the event as yet another avenue the youth body sought to celebrate girls in the sector and empower them.
His words: “Youths are the future of our nation, and it’s crucial to ensure that all segments of society, including girls and women, are equipped with the necessary skills and opportunities to thrive in the Information Technology sector.
“Our local branch is famed to be the pace-setter and through events like this tech competition, we aim to inspire and empower young girls to pursue careers in ICT, thereby bridging the gender gap in the tech industry.”
Speaking further, the youth coordinator called upon stakeholders at all levels to provide more support and create an enabling environment for girls and women in ICT, adding that their contributions are essential for the development of the nation’s digital economy and innovation landscape.
In her keynote address, the Chairperson of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Mrs Kehinde Ajala commended the youth body for leading the campaign for women’s inclusion and growth in the IT sector.
After pulsating rounds of the competition, participants from Ilupeju Senior Secondary School emerged winners and smiled home with cash prize, trophy, medals as well as certificates of participation as students of Learning Gate College and Ilupeju Senior Grammar School came second and third, respectively.
They were presented with medals, certificates, and other consolation prizes.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Senior Special Assistant to the state governor on Civic Engagement, Hon. Ruth Lijirin; representative of NULGE Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Mrs. Mutiat Adigun; Supervisor for WAPA, Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon. Ifeoluwa Jimoh; the Vice Chairman NYCN Lagos State (West), Comrade Jamiu Ademos; the Coordinator of NYCN Ipaja/Ayobo Local Brach, Comrade Azeezat Fagbohun and the Personal Assistant to the chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon. Balikis Dosumu among others.
