To mark International Women's Day, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, member of the House of Representatives for Kosofe Federal Constituency, in collaboration with New Horizons Nigeria, has awarded ICT scholarships to 300 young women in Lagos, aiming to bridge the gender gap in tech and equip beneficiaries with essential digital skills.
Ogbara, who chairs the House Committee on Women's Affairs and Social Development, stressed the importance of action in addressing gender inequality. "International Women's Day calls for reflection, action, and unity. We are here to act," she declared.
The ICT training, facilitated by New Horizons Nigeria, focuses on empowering women to thrive in the digital economy. Ogbara thanked Tim Akano, CEO of New Horizons, for his consistent support. "Your dedication inspires us," she said, urging recipients to embrace the opportunity and see themselves as future leaders. "Dismiss any notion of impossibility. Take control of your lives."
She added that women's empowerment has far-reaching benefits across families, communities, and the nation. "This training fosters independence, innovation, and the capacity to make meaningful societal contributions," she said.
Akano described the initiative as a foundation for long-term career growth. "We are laying the groundwork for them to build a future based on their individual aspirations," he explained. He noted that the selection process was merit-based and focused on candidates with strong IT potential.
The six-week program covers a range of in-demand digital skills, from coding to cybersecurity. Akano emphasized the importance of matching training to personal interests. "Do you enjoy coding? Are you prepared for the challenges of it? These are the questions that matter," he said, highlighting the economic returns of investing in women's tech education.
The participants, all graduates, were selected to ensure the program delivers professional-level outcomes. "This is not a vocational skills program," Akano clarified. "We are training IT professionals."
Class representatives Fauzia Salako-Sani and Damilola Obiriko expressed their gratitude and determination to make the most of the opportunity. Salako-Sani, a broadcast journalist, sees the training as a way to elevate her work and inspire peers to stay focused. Obiriko, a brand analyst and alumna of New Horizons, shared her passion for data analysis and cybersecurity, noting how the training would enhance her value in the tech space.
