Nigerian schoolgirls have been told to set aside their fears and aim for leadership roles in their nation.
Globacom, Nigeria’s digital solutions provider, made the call recently at the 2024 Girls in ICT Day observance event in Lagos.
Globacom’s representative at the event, Mrs. Kemi Fadipe, exhorted school girls to work hard and follow their passions, noting that if they stay focused, they would be able to assume leadership roles in the future.
Through building a network of peers, instructors, family members, and mentors who believe in their potential, she said, they can prioritize their education and learn from accomplished women in order to build a solid foundation for leadership roles in the future.
“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 noted.
She added that “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”.
Mrs. Fadipe noted that the remarkable leadership abilities, tenacity, and commitment of these women with STEM backgrounds have enabled them to “serve as inspiring role models for future generations of female leaders in Africa and beyond,” citing numerous instances of these women who have achieved positions in Nigeria and abroad.
Students from selected secondary schools in Lagos and Ogun states attended the event.