With the aim of empowering and connecting young entrepreneurs, professionals,experts and stakeholders in tech, entertainment and other sectors , leading women executives converged on Friday in Lagos for the Women Entrepreneurs Executives in Tech Summit (WEETS)
In her opening remark, the convener and founder, Ugochi Emmanuel pointed out that though AI has actually emerged as a powerful force in reshaping industries and redifining business practices across the world , it is essential to ensure that women are not left behind, seeing them as participants only and not trailblazers.
Emphasizing on the theme “AI LEADERSHIP, NAVIGATING THE FUTURE OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS”, Ugochi, who is also the managing director of Techlife media disclosed that though they have consistently strived to bridge the gap between women and the digital economy by equipping them with advanced digital skills, mentorship and opportunities to thrive in today’s tech world through WEETS foundation, their key interest is to ensure that women are equally represented in board rooms, roles, decision making and technical fields.
She stressed further, that since the future is brimming with opportunities for women to excel and lead in AI and business, it’s our collective responsibilities to ensure we seize the opportunities to expand in AI and business.
In a keynote address , Director/CEO Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdulahi who was ably represented by Dr Falilat Jimoh, affirmed that there is a widespread adoption of AI in Nigeria as well as women empowerment in digital technologies, as such, these two main areas are of importance to the organisation .
Dr Jimoh added that NITDA is harnessing these technologies through the National Centre for Artificial intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) to support women who are currently one of the biggest cornerstone of many economies as well as youth, emphasizing on the 2023 state of entrepreneurship in Nigeria report which states that 48% of startups in Nigeria as well as 43% of businesses are led by females.
The one day impactful summit featured two panel sessions which was moderated by the equivocal managing editor of Cyber Africa. Mr. Hillary Damisah. panelists harped on the need to grow interest in AI before excelling in business
using AI tools like WhatsApp and chat GPT to build contents.
Earlier on in the goodwill message, the secretary of Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association ( NITRA ). Mr. Chidebere Nwankwo urged women to note that the gender bias they think is a set back in achieving AI goals can be summounted .
This was corroborated by the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) boss ably represented by Adaobi Nwankwo who highlighted that Women have the opportunity to lead and innovate in AI while upholding strong data protection practices and as such should be encouraged to pursue careers in AI and actively seek leadership roles.
She concluded by urging organisations to foster diversity and inclusivity, particularly in AI governance and data protection roles.
The Summit also had awards presented to both men and women trailblazers in the tech industry as Participants commended the organisers for an impactful session.
Story By Evelyn Akpa