Lagos Government, MTN Demand Gender-Inclusive Environment in Technology Sector

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The Lagos State Government and technology stakeholders have called for stronger commitment towards creating gender-inclusive opportunities in science, technology and innovation.

The call was made at the fifth edition of the Women in Technology and Engineering Summit (WITESA), held at the MUSON Centre, Lagos.

Representing the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Olatunbosun Alake, said stakeholders must move beyond discussions and embrace practical collaboration to enable more women to thrive and lead in the technology space.

Alake stressed that Lagos’ ambition as a digital hub depends on inclusive innovation, particularly in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data science and renewable energy.

“We need to move beyond conversation to collaboration in creating an environment where women can thrive, where they can lead, and where they can innovate,” he said.

At the summit, industry experts highlighted the need to address barriers affecting female participation, particularly in investment and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Ponmile Osibo, Managing Partner at Kokujin, said closing gaps between investors and female founders remains essential to creating a fairer technology ecosystem.

He noted that better understanding between investors and entrepreneurs would improve access to opportunities for women-led businesses.

Also speaking, General Manager, Enterprise Marketing at MTN Business, Njideka Jack, said the company has integrated gender inclusion into its workplace policies.

She disclosed that women currently make up 41.4 per cent of MTN’s workforce and 46.4 per cent of its executive leadership, describing the figures as evidence of the impact of deliberate inclusion strategies.

The summit, organised by Womenovate, also celebrated individuals contributing to the growth of science and technology in Nigeria.

Industry leaders, including Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho, are scheduled to receive recognition for their contributions towards breaking barriers and promoting innovation.

Stakeholders at the event said building a gender-inclusive technology sector is critical to achieving sustainable digital growth in Nigeria and Africa.

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