By Eghosa Emily.
The Edo state government through the Information, Communication and Technology Agency (ICTA) in collaboration with Women in Technology in Nigeria (WITIN) and GIZ SKYE, Benin, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has organized a one-day Career Orientation and Leadership Workshop in celebration of ´ITU Girls in ICT Day 2024´.
The workshop which took place at the ICTA hall in the ICTA building in Benin City, had in attendance stakeholders from the Education sector, ICT, Edo State Ministry of Digital Economy,Science and Technology, Women in Technology in Nigeria (WITIN), as well as female students from five Government Secondary Schools across the state including; Idia College, Imaguero Girls College, Asoro Grammar School, Oredo Girls Secondary School, and Government Science and Technical College.
Speaking at the event, the Edo State Honourable Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Oviawe who was represented by the Director of Planning, Mr Gabriel Orire charged the girls to take advantage of the workshop to learn and empower themselves especially as there are a lot of opportunities in the digital world today.
Dr. Oviawe stressed that workshops like these were vital as they provided not just a platform for learning but a springboard for empowerment by instilling not just technological proficiency but the confidence to chart one’s course and seize one’s destiny.
The Hon Commissioner encouraged the girls to spread their wings by seizing the opportunities to learn in the various aspects of ICT, including software development, cyber security, data analysis, and so much more.
Meanwhile, during a panel discussion with the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Digital Economy, Science and Technology,Yuwa Naps, encouraged the girls to be steadfast and focused in their chosen careers and not to jump ships due to peer pressure.
Also, the Executive Director, Edo Innovation Hub, Mr.Asemota Izoduwa who was represented by the Faculty Lead of Edo Innovation Hub and Senior Legal Counsel, Edo Skills Development Agency, Mrs. Jobina Arinze took the students on the topic ´Developing a career in ICT´ and spoke on the importance of ICT in today’s world, the necessity of girls considering a career in ICT, and the various skills needed to learn in ICT.
Additionally, the representative of WITIN, retired Permanent Secretary, ICTA, and Chief Organizer of the event, Mrs Birgitta Eno Okodugha in her welcome address stressed the need for the girl child to be more active in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects.
Mrs Okodugha stated there was a need for women to take the lead when it comes to science and technology and this starts with the girl child being empowered especially in ICT as the world is evolving technologically.
Similarly, the team leader of the GIZ SKYE program, Benin, Helen Igboka who was represented by Justina Akinmola, spoke on the need for the girl child to be more tech-inclined, especially in a male-dominated environment.
Mrs Igboka mentioned that the GIZ SKYE program is supporting the Edo State Government to ensure that there are enough centers for training in ICT.
Also present at the workshop were members of WITIN, Prof. Egwale, and Dr. Odafe who were both panelists during the interactive segment of the workshop with the Theme Leadership.
On the part of the participants, a student from Asoro Grammar School, Miss Godday Holiness, expressed gratitude to the Edo State Government, WITIN and GIZ for organizing the workshop allowing them to learn more about technology and giving them the encouragement needed to develop their skills.
