Lagos Deputy Governor and UNILAG VC Recognised at STEM Awards

Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Folasade Ogunsola, received awards on Wednesday at the fifth Women in Technology and Engineering Summit and Awards (WITESA). They were honoured for their efforts in promoting innovation and improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in Nigeria.

The awards took place at the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Lagos. This marked the conclusion of a two-day summit that brought together policymakers, technology leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators. They gathered to discuss technology's future and how women can participate more in STEM.

Mr Hamzat, represented by Bolanle Olukare, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, called on governments, businesses, and schools to work together to close Nigeria's digital gap. He said, "No community should be left behind by geography, economic status, age or gender."

He pointed out Lagos State's investments in technology hubs, digital education, healthcare innovation, and broadband infrastructure. These investments show how technology can boost economic growth and create opportunities for women and young people. Mr Hamzat reaffirmed the state's commitment to policies that support innovation and broaden access to digital opportunities.

Mrs Ogunsola was also honoured along with other outstanding women in technology, telecommunications, fintech, and healthcare for their roles in STEM and national development. During the ceremony, Motunrayo Opawole, the convener of WITESA, said the awardees were chosen through an open public nomination process.

"People know, people are looking, and your efforts are recognised," she told the award recipients. She praised women in STEM for overcoming challenges and making significant contributions to their industries.

Mr Hamzat received the Public Sector Technology and Engineering Leader of the Year Award. Mrs Ogunsola earned the Research Excellence Award in STEM. In total, over 30 women and four men received awards for their contributions to innovation, engineering, technology, and scientific research.

Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, received the Public Sector Digital Transformative Award. Bukola Ajayi, Chief Information Officer of MTN Nigeria, won the Technology Leadership Award. Oluwatosin Olaseinde, founder and CEO of MoneyAfrica and Ladda, was named Female Innovator of the Year.

The summit, themed "Engineering Africa’s Future: Innovation, Infrastructure and Inclusive Technology," started on Tuesday. It aimed to strengthen women's leadership and involvement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Womenovate organised the annual event as a platform for discussing policies and initiatives that support diversity and inclusion in Africa's technology scene. Earlier in the summit, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Bolaji Dada, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, said WITESA's success shows that women thrive when given equal opportunities.

"When women are given access to opportunity, they excel, they innovate, and they transform societies," he stated. Mr Sanwo-Olu added that Africa cannot reach its full economic and technological potential if women are still underrepresented in the technology sector.