Government intensifies efforts to bridge technology gap as nearly 4,000 young females demonstrate creative tech solutions

Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, spearheaded efforts to promote digital inclusion on Friday by hosting a celebratory dinner for participants of the 2026 National Girls in Information and Communication Technology Competition at the State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

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The event culminated the fourth edition of the National Girls in ICT Competition, an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, which engaged over 3,700 girls across the six geopolitical zones.

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For the first time, the programme featured a special reception in honour of the regional winners, following the national finale held earlier in the day, marking a significant milestone in the competition.

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Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, praised the participants for their creativity and determination in applying technology to address societal challenges, noting that the competition reflects a growing recognition of the role of young people as drivers of innovation and national development.

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Senator Tinubu commended the innovation and creativity displayed by the girls, stating that their solutions demonstrate that young people are key drivers of change, and encouraged them to remain curious, confident, and courageous.

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She also commended the launch of the Code Clubs initiative and the presentation of club kits, describing it as a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria and a reflection of the President's commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators and technology leaders.

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Senator Tinubu urged the girls to continue learning, creating, and using technology to uplift lives and strengthen their communities, reminding them that their dreams are valid, their potential is limitless, and the future of innovation can proudly bear their imprint.

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Earlier, the national grand finale was held at the Nigerian Communications Commission Head Office Annex in Abuja, where six regional teams presented solutions before a panel of judges drawn from government, industry, and academia.

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The projects addressed key sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, accessibility, and public service delivery, showcasing the diverse talents of the participants.

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Hands that Speak from Bauchi State emerged as the overall winner with SignCare, a digital health platform designed to improve communication between deaf patients and healthcare providers, while other teams secured the remaining positions.

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Goodwill messages were delivered by the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Jane Egerton-Idehen, and the Postmaster General of Nigerian Postal Service, Tola Odeyemi.

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They applauded the participants and encouraged them to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, noting the importance of innovation in national growth and development.

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Dr Tijani emphasized the need to expand access to opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, within the digital economy, stressing that the competition highlights the depth of talent across the country and the importance of inclusive development.

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He noted that empowering girls in technology remains critical to building a globally competitive digital economy, acknowledging the support of partners including the Korea International Cooperation Agency and the International Telecommunication Union.