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The Heritage and Legacy Foundation has urged girls in Kogi State to embrace information technology to enable them to function properly in leadership positions in whatever sector they find themselves in future.

The founder of the Foundation, Hassan Abdul, stated this at the 2024 edition of Kogi ‘Girltech’ 2024 event, an annual ‘Girls in ICT’ commemorative event in the state.

Abdul stated that, “empowering women in the ICT sector is not just a matter of gender equality; it is a crucial driver of economic and social development for Kogi State and beyond.

“ICT is now a major driver of innovation in even sectors such as agriculture, tourism and hospitality, healthcare and construction. Kogi’s highly intelligent workforce can gain a significant advantage with more emphasis placed on the adoption and ulitisation of ICT skills.”

In a similar vein, the senior special assistant on Education to the Governor of Kogi State, Hon. Nana Kazeem, emphasised that, “the world is rapidly changing, and technology is becoming an integral part of our future. Therefore, we must prepare ourselves, especially girls and women, to navigate and shape this future.

“By embracing ICT skills and leadership roles, we will be empowered to drive innovation, bridge the gender gap, and create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.”

She noted that the current administration of Governor Ahmed Ododo, was not only passionate about education but particularly in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, saying: “we are committed to implementing the vision where every Kogites is included in the global direction and every Kogi youth is empowered with digital skills.”

A total of 70 girls from six secondary schools in Lokoja, along with their parents and teachers, attended the event.

The highlight of the event was the graduation of the second cohort of girls the Foundation had sponsored to acquire ICT skills in partnership with Brainpals Code Academy. The 10 graduands had acquired skills in three main areas: web design and coding, graphic design and digital extension ded a reward of the payment of their WAEC and JAMB fees by the foundation in recognition of their diligence.

Also speaking, the immediate past Kogi state coordinator of Nigerian Women in ICT, Mrs. Folusho Owoeye challenged the participants and graduating students to leverage the power of self leadership in their career growth.

“Self-leadership is about taking control of your own life, making informed decisions, and setting a course for your personal and professional growth. It is about understanding who you are, what you stand for, where you want to go, and leading yourself into achieving it. In the rapidly changing world of technology, where innovation is constant and challenges are numerous, self-leadership becomes even more critical,” she stated.