By Jessica Dogo

The Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Kim Pankyu, has said that the Korean government will continue to support Nigeria’s quest to empower young girls with technology.

The ambassador spoke at the final of the National Girls in ICT competition organised by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, supported by Plan International, on Thursday in Abuja.

Pankyu was represented by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KIOCA) country Director, Nigeria, SON Sungil.

He said that KIOCA’s engagement with the programme showed its commitment to empowering young girls with technology and innovation in Nigeria.

“Our partnership also signifies the positive outcomes of KIOCA’S long standing digital transfers formation journey with the ministry and the people of Nigeria.

“KIOCA and the Korean government will remain committed to working along side the ministry to help achieve Nigeria’s government renewed hope agenda.

“It is, indeed, a great pleasure to contribute to the success of today’s event by providing resources to this place ” he said.

He said that the journey had been quite tough, adding that a lot of hard work was required.

According to him, KOICA has supported smart schools in Nigeria from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasarawa, Cross Rivers, Ekiti, Kano and Bauchi states, and hoping to spread the gesture across the country.

“We have been working together with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

“We recently provided quality ICT facilities to six smart schools where students and teachers can have access to teaching and learning resources.

“That is why we called on them in this competition, believing that it can be a good opportunity for them,” he said.

The Country Director, Plan International,

Mr Usie Emmamuzou, said that Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields had become the cornerstone of modern innovation and advancement.

Emmamuzou, who was represented by Victoria Chenge, said that investing in STEM education and empowering girls would pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future.

He said that despite progress made, girls and women worldwide continue to face numerous challenges, including sexual and physical abuse, forced marriages, female genital mutilation, and gender-based violence.

“Statistics reveal a concerning trend, few girls and young women pursue ICT courses in secondary and tertiary institutions, resulting in an alarmingly low number of females in these fields .

“This disparity underscores the need for urgent investment in the future of our country, particularly in STEM education,” he said.

He, commended the Ministry of Communications Innovations and Digital Economy for efforts dedicated to supporting girls’ education, protection, and empowerment.

He said that Plan International had committed resources to ensuring girls’ safety and success in their chosen disciplines.

“Our strategy focuses on empowering girls to drive change and achieve gender equality in all aspects of life.

“As part of our commitment, we are donating three laps and nine Raspberry Pi to the winners of this competition.

“This contribution symbolises our dedication to fostering a more inclusive and innovative future,” he said.

The Special Adviser to the Minister of Communications Innovations and Digital Economy, Maryam Gwadabe, said that the aim of the competition was to bridge the digital gender divide.

Gwadabe, who is also the Project Lead for National Girls in ICT competition, said that the programme would bring more girls to pursue careers in ICT, build digital innovation that solve community challenges.

“Our plan is to make sure that we bridge the digital gender divide, bring more girls to pursue careers in ICT and build digital innovation that solve community challenges.

“I am really grateful for their support, especially giving us safeguard in terms of technical support and bringing the girls from the six geopolitical zones of the country.

“I thank them for also supporting us in designing and planning the whole process of the event,” he said.

Fatima Nazir, a student of Sweet Haven High School, Kano, who spoke on behalf of the overall winner in the competition expressed excitement over their success.

Nazir urged other students to be confident, resilient and have perseverance, adding that there are so many opportunities to explore out there.

“I feel very excited, amazed,6 happy and delighted. I plan to make our app become something bigger and also achieve a career in tech generally.

“They should not give up and be confident in whatever they do, and have perseverance and resilience so that we can have more opportunities to take part in competitions like this and accomplish something. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman