By Chinenye Anuforo
To commemorate International Women’s Day, Kafilat Ogbara, the House of Representatives member for Kosofe Federal Constituency, in collaboration with New Horizons Nigeria, awarded 300 young women in Lagos ICT scholarships, a significant move to close the gender gap in the tech industry and equip them with crucial digital competencies.
As the chair of the House Committee on Women’s Affairs and Social Development, Ogbara emphasized the need for concrete actions against gender disparities, stating, “International Women’s Day calls for reflection, action, and unity. We are here to act.”
New Horizons Nigeria is delivering ICT training, designed to enable women excel in the digital era. Ogbara expressed her appreciation to Tim Akano and New Horizons for their ongoing dedication to this cause, saying, “Your consistent support inspires us.”
She encouraged the recipients to seize the opportunity and pursue success, urging, “Dismiss any notion of impossibility and consider yourselves leaders now. Take control of your lives.”
Ogbara pointed out that empowering women generates widespread positive effects on families, communities, and the nation. She also indicated that the training provides lasting empowerment, fostering independence, innovation, and meaningful societal contributions. She advised the women to believe in themselves, be confident, and remember that character is as vital as knowledge and qualifications for sustained achievement.
Tim Akano, the Chief Executive Officer of New Horizons, highlighted the program’s focus on foundational skills. “This is a project to establish a base,” Akano explained. “We are providing a foundation for them to build their future according to their aspirations.”
The selection process was transparent, ensuring fairness for all applicants. “We offered equal application opportunities and selected 300 women with IT potential,” Akano stated.
The training covers diverse IT skills, providing a comprehensive understanding of the field. Akano emphasized the importance of aligning skills with individual talents, asking, “Do you enjoy coding? Can you dedicate extended hours to solving complex code?” He also stressed the economic benefits of investing in women’s IT skills, saying, “Training youth in IT builds an economy, and training women, in particular, builds a nation.”
The program is organized into six weekly sessions for focused learning. Akano also made note of the student’s academic level. “They are graduates, meaning they have the necessary academic grounding for IT training. This program is for IT professionals, not basic vocational skills like sewing.”
Fauzia Salako-Sani and Damilola Obiriko, class representatives, expressed gratitude and commitment to maximizing the training. Salako-Sani, a content provider and broadcast journalist, aims to use the IT skills to enhance her career and contribute more to the tech industry. “I will encourage my classmates to be attentive, committed, and practical, as this is a valuable chance,” Salako-Sani said.
Obiriko, a Brand Analyst and New Horizons alumna, praised the institution’s effective teaching and learning environment. She expressed interest in data analysis and cyber security, stating that the training would significantly improve her professional value.
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