The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), alongside industry heavyweights, Digital Encode and AfriGOpay, has reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling gender barriers in the technology sector by backing the 2026 International Girls in ICT Day. Organized by eBusiness Life Communication Limited, this year’s event is set to take place at the Lagos Oriental Hotel on June 25, reports ITREALMS.
Aligned with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) initiative, the 2026 campaign is themed “AI For Development: Girls Shaping The Digital Future.” The initiative aims to sensitize and empower young girls to pursue high-growth careers in ICT, a field that remains historically male-dominated.
Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro (‘Daro), Convener and CEO of e-Business Life Communication Limited, emphasized the urgency of the mission. Citing the ITU’s projection of a two-million-job skills shortfall in the sector by 2030, she noted that equipping girls with coding, app development, and computer science skills is a strategic necessity. "Girls with ICT skills can expect to earn good salaries and enjoy plenty of career opportunities," Mrs. Daro stated, adding that ICT proficiency is becoming a critical advantage across all academic and professional fields.
This year’s campaign is bolstered by key private sector partners committed to fostering an equitable digital future:
Digital Encode Limited: As an award-winning cybersecurity firm, Digital Encode brings technical depth to the campaign. Its Founder and CVO, Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale, is a long-time advocate for youth empowerment and currently chairs the Advisory Board of the Cybersafe Foundation.
AfriGOpay Financial Services: The company behind AfriGO—Nigeria’s first domestic card scheme—has joined the partnership to support localized, secure payment solutions. By championing this initiative, AfriGOpay reinforces its commitment to digital sovereignty and the inclusion of women in the evolving financial technology landscape.
The celebration will serve as a launchpad for the next generation of female tech talent through a series of engaging activities:
Female students from selected public and private secondary schools will compete in STEM quizzes and practical technology challenges.
The event will feature a roundtable discussion and motivational sessions led by accomplished women in the ICT industry.
Deserving women who have excelled in the ICT sector will be honored with awards, providing the students with tangible role models for their career journeys.
The Girls in ICT Day, launched through ITU Resolution 70, serves as a global reminder that closing the STEM gap; particularly in leadership and policy-making roles, is essential for a balanced digital economy.
The organizers aim, ITREALMS gathered, is for every participating student to leave with the confidence to pursue any career path in ICT without gender-based bias, well-equipped to contribute to Nigeria's digital future.
Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro (‘Daro), Convener and CEO of e-Business Life Communication Limited, emphasized the urgency of the mission. Citing the ITU’s projection of a two-million-job skills shortfall in the sector by 2030, she noted that equipping girls with coding, app development, and computer science skills is a strategic necessity. "Girls with ICT skills can expect to earn good salaries and enjoy plenty of career opportunities," Mrs. Daro stated, adding that ICT proficiency is becoming a critical advantage across all academic and professional fields.
This year’s campaign is bolstered by key private sector partners committed to fostering an equitable digital future:
Digital Encode Limited: As an award-winning cybersecurity firm, Digital Encode brings technical depth to the campaign. Its Founder and CVO, Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale, is a long-time advocate for youth empowerment and currently chairs the Advisory Board of the Cybersafe Foundation.
AfriGOpay Financial Services: The company behind AfriGO—Nigeria’s first domestic card scheme—has joined the partnership to support localized, secure payment solutions. By championing this initiative, AfriGOpay reinforces its commitment to digital sovereignty and the inclusion of women in the evolving financial technology landscape.
The celebration will serve as a launchpad for the next generation of female tech talent through a series of engaging activities:
Female students from selected public and private secondary schools will compete in STEM quizzes and practical technology challenges.
The event will feature a roundtable discussion and motivational sessions led by accomplished women in the ICT industry.
Deserving women who have excelled in the ICT sector will be honored with awards, providing the students with tangible role models for their career journeys.
The Girls in ICT Day, launched through ITU Resolution 70, serves as a global reminder that closing the STEM gap; particularly in leadership and policy-making roles, is essential for a balanced digital economy.
The organizers aim, ITREALMS gathered, is for every participating student to leave with the confidence to pursue any career path in ICT without gender-based bias, well-equipped to contribute to Nigeria's digital future.
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