The 2026 Women Entrepreneurs and Executives in Tech Summit (WEETS) was once again a gathering of women determined to collaborate and create impact in society.
The summit which held at Lagos Travel Inn, Ikeja, on Thursday, September 24, 2026, drew tech experts including regulators, policymakers, innovators, government representatives, students,and members of the press.
Speaking during opening remarks, the Convener and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Techlife With Ugo, Ugochi Emmanuel, explained that this year’s theme, “From Innovation to Impact: Women Leading the Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Future,” was carefully chosen because the world is experiencing unprecedented technological transformation.
According to her, Artificial Intelligence is changing how we work, do business, communicate, and solve problems.
She emphasized that women must not merely be consumers of technology but must also be creators, innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in an AI-driven economy such as ours
Emmanuel noted that WEETS’ commitment extends beyond the annual gathering.
“Over the years, we have used our Advanced Digital Skills Bootcamp to expose and train young girls and women in digital skills, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Security, Website Development, Digital Entrepreneurship, Content Creation, and other emerging technologies,” she said.
The tech advocate expressed appreciation to the sponsors and partners of WEETS 2026 and urged participants drawn from technology, finance, maritime, tourism, culture, media, and entrepreneurship to recognize that their diversity reinforces the belief that technology is for everyone and opportunities must be inclusive.
She appealed to government officials, corporate organizations, government agencies, development partners, and philanthropists to support the WEETS vision financially to give women access to digital training, help female entrepreneurs grow their businesses, and transform lives.
NCC Reaffirms Commitment to Digital Inclusion
Delivering a goodwill message, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, represented by Mrs. Tolulase Omodele-Rufai, Deputy Director of the NCC Lagos Zonal Office, affirmed that the NCC recognizes the importance of digital inclusion.
According to Maida, as part of its regulatory efforts, the Commission is creating opportunities for Nigerians, particularly young people, women, persons with disabilities, and underserved communities, to have the access required to effectively participate in the ever-evolving digital economy.
The NCC EVC disclosed that the Commission recently launched zero-rated access to online educational platforms and resources to expand digital skills and access in Nigeria, enabling learners to use educational platforms without incurring data charges.
“The NCC remains committed to advancing the vision of digital empowerment through continued collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including women entrepreneurs and executives, to build an environment where a young woman in a rural community can acquire digital skills, where a female entrepreneur can access the connectivity and digital tools she needs to promote her business, where women innovators can access research, learning, market, and investment opportunities, and where leadership opportunities in technology are open to talent regardless of gender or geography,” Maida said.
Lagos State Pledges Support for Women
The Secretary to the Government of Lagos State, Barrister Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, represented by Mrs. Olumuyiwa Ojelabi, Director of Public Affairs in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, said the summit’s message resonates deeply with Lagos State’s development philosophy.
She pointed out that the first pillar of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Agenda deliberately promotes gender equality and social inclusion alongside economic priorities.
According to Barr. Salu-Hundeyin, the state government remains committed to economically empowering women, equipping them with relevant skills, and giving them meaningful opportunities to participate in decision-making and governance.
“This commitment is not merely about numbers but about creating an environment where the talent, perspectives, and leadership capacity of women can contribute fully to the development of Lagos State,” she said.
She added that Lagos State will continue to promote women’s participation in public leadership across the executive, legislative, and judicial arms, as well as in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
She disclosed that the state government has initiated programs in vocational training, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and economic empowerment for women.
“When women participate fully in governance, business, technology, and innovation, the entire system benefits,” she said, urging women to understand that there is a place for them in technology, leadership, and innovation.
Keynote: Women Must Leverage AI or Risk Being Left Behind
Delivering his keynote address titled “AI and Women: How Can Women Leverage AI to Become More Successful Using the Latest Technology,” Mr. Tim Akano, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of New Horizons, a leading Information Technology (IT) training firm in Nigeria, stated that technology has become the most decisive factor in determining who becomes wealthy and who becomes poor.
Citing the era of the slave trade, Akano said Europeans used superior technology to overpower Africans. He traced the evolution of technology from the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, when steam engines were invented, to the present.
He noted that technology has even revealed that Africa is larger than three continents combined.
Highlighting advances in Information Technology from the Bill Gates era to Mark Zuckerberg, who founded Facebook, Akano said Artificial Intelligence has now gone mainstream.
“For the next 100 years, those who will be successful and prosperous are those who can manipulate AI in every aspect of what they do and will not be categorized as a useless population,” he said.
He encouraged women, regardless of their profession, to acquire AI skills to support their businesses or careers, warning that about 50 percent of tasks currently performed by humans can be done through AI, including car manufacturing in countries like China.
“The challenge for women is this: by 2030, when AI will be advanced enough to do 80 percent of what we do today, what will become of you?” he asked.
He urged women to see AI as an opportunity to embrace and master, stressing that skills can be acquired at any age.
“Women are always at the low end of technology. In 2026, the Forbes billionaire list contains only 481 women out of 3,428 billionaires worldwide, which is just 14 percent. Of the 500 top companies in the world, only 11 percent are led by women, while only 26 percent of AI roles are filled by women. No research has proven that women are weaker when it comes to acquiring AI skills,” he said, encouraging women to adopt a new mindset.
Panel Sessions Emphasize Mentorship, Process, and Cyber Security
The event featured two panel sessions moderated by Mrs Tinuade Oguntuyi , General Manager Technical · Information Connectivity Solutions Limited – ICSL and Master Ayobami Olaniyi, a penetration tester and son to the amazing WION Nigerian correspondent, Ayobami Olaniyi.
Mrs. Tonye Preghafi, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Quomodo Systems Africa, urged aspiring women in technology to start somewhere and seek mentorship for direction on venturing into AI, noting that some foundational knowledge is necessary for a mentor to guide them effectively.
Prince Gideon Tobiloba, Nigerian entrepreneur, technology professional researcher, emphasized that entrepreneurs must value their businesses and protect their data by seeking appropriate solutions and securing their websites and online platforms against hackers.
Aside that, Mrs. Bimbo Ikumariegbe, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of VDT Communications Limited, stated that from an operational perspective, AI saves time, but success requires more than just using AI. One must understand the process, including having a ready market and using AI intelligence strategically.
“Process is key, but when you have that process, you can actually improve on it,” she said.
Corroborating with Mr. Tobiloba, She warned that cyber threats are increasing because some actors deploy AI specifically to attack systems and compromise information. She added that VDT Communications has put systems in place that alert the company when an attack is launched.
Earlier, other dignitaries, including the CEO of Image Expression and Publisher of Eko Mi Magazine, Otunba Bestman Nze, and the General Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Ajibola Olude, delivered goodwill messages. Olude urged women to rise and occupy their rightful positions in Nigeria, especially in the telecommunications sector.
The summit, anchored by the WION Nigeria correspondent, also featured exhibitions from VDT Communications Limited, Export Drive Technologies Consult Limited, which provides trading and advisory services, also teaches low-risk trading, and quote Request, an on-demand service platform that connects users to services such as law firms, Disc Jockeys (DJs), and event caterers.
Other notable dignitaries at the event include-
Dr. Omoikhefe Akhigbe Representative of the National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji,
NCC delegation from the Lagos Zonal Office (LGZO) –
1. Mrs. Tolulase Omodele-Rufai -Deputy Director
2. Mrs. Oladoyin Aiyenitaju – Assistant Director Regulatory Services
3. Mrs Ijeoma Bassey – Assistant Director Regulatory Services
4. Mr. Olamide Alli-Balogun – DMTS /DE Focal Person
5. Mrs. Amina Yusuf – Officer Support Services
