The 2024 Girls in ICT Day held in Lagos on Thursday with a charge to secondary school girls in Nigeria to aim for leadership by excelling in their studies.
The charge was from telecommunications giant, Globacom, which noted that though there might be challenges on their way to the top, they should nonetheless brace up and stop entertaining fear in the pursuit of their goals.
Mrs. Kemi Fadipe, who represented Glo at the event, which had secondary school students from selected schools in Lagos and Ogun states in attendance, said that rather than be discouraged by challenges, they should embrace their dreams with passion until they accomplish them.
“You must prioritize your education to lay a strong foundation for leadership roles and also seek mentorship and guidance from successful women, as well as build networks of supportive peers, teachers, family members, and mentors who believe in your potentials”, she said.
Fadipe also urged them not to shy away from volunteering for leadership roles in projects, clubs, or community initiatives, adding that “taking on responsibilities demonstrates initiative, builds confidence, and showcases leadership potential” and added that they should also step out of their comfort zones, embrace new experiences, and view setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning”.
According to her, “Today, in an era defined by rapid technological advancements and innovation, encouraging girls to pursue STEM education (Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics) is not only essential for their individual development but also crucial for fostering gender equality and driving societal progress”.
She further encouraged them to pursue careers in ICT as, according to her, “STEM education fosters a lifelong passion for learning and a growth mindset—a belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Fantastic leaders continuously seek knowledge, adapt to change, and inspire continuous improvement”.
Fadipe mentioned examples of women with educational backgrounds in STEM who had risen to positions of influence and authority both in Nigeria and beyond, saying their exceptional leadership skills, resilience, and dedication have made them to “serve as inspiring role models for future generations of female leaders in Africa and beyond”.