School girls across the country were Thursday urged to aspire to leadership positions without fear, despite the various challenges that they may face along the way. Globacom made this call at the commemoration of the 2024 edition of Girls in ICT Day held in Lagos on Thursday.
Globacom’s representative, Mrs Kemi Fadipe, who spoke at the event, encouraged school girls to pursue their dreams with passion so that they could attain leadership positions in future.
She advised them to prioritise their education to lay a strong foundation for leadership roles and also seek mentorship and guidance from successful women, as well as build a network of supportive peers, teachers, family members, and mentors who believe in their potentials.
She further advised them not to shy away from volunteering for leadership roles in projects, clubs, or community initiatives.
Said she: “Taking on responsibilities demonstrates initiative, builds confidence, and showcases leadership potential”.
Fadipe added that they should also step out of their comfort zones, embrace new experiences, and view setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning.
Noted she: “Today, in an era defined by rapid technological advancements and innovation, encouraging girls to pursue Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education is not only essential for their individual development but also crucial for fostering gender equality and driving societal progress.
“STEM education fosters a life-long passion for learning and a growth mind-set — a belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Fantastic leaders continuously seek knowledge, adapt to change, and inspire continuous improvement”.
Citing several examples of women with STEM background who have attained positions both in Nigeria and beyond, Mrs Fadipe observed that their exceptional leadership skills, resilience, and dedication have made them “serve as inspiring role models for future generations of female leaders in Africa and beyond”.
The event had in attendance secondary school students from selected schools in Lagos and Ogun states.