The Women group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on Thursday, October 17, 2019, organised the 5th LCCI Women Conference, in Lagos.
The event, with the theme, “Digital Revolution: Women Entrepreneurs”, saw stakeholders in technology and entrepreneurship in the women community, gathered at the forum.
Declaring the conference open, Mrs. Olajumoke Fashanu, Chairperson, LCCI women group, commenced her welcome remarks, by acknowledging that, women have a great role to play, in shaping the society, especially, in the business world, while stating that, executing a business transaction, successfully, would be impossible, without embracing technology.
“The theme of this 5th LCCI Women Conference was chosen, to underscore the relevance of technology, in advancing business enterprises. Women entrepreneurs should understand what a massive development in robotics, Artificial Intelligence, biotechnology and related technologies, can do, to impact on people, business and workplace”, she emphasised.
She stated that women cannot compete adequately, without proper enlightenment and acknowledged that, the greatest tool of competition today is, the proper use of digital devices, in business transactions.
Fashanu, further that, the ICT industry is, the driver and indeed, the pivot, of everything in technology. “Whatever technological milestone we are referring to, must be explained, in digital form”, she concluded.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who was represented by Solape Hammond, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor, on Sustainable Development Goals, noted that, digital revolution, brings into focus, the reality of the 21st century and a period of STEM, as well as, how it can assist women in entrepreneurship, to attain set goals, in the business world.
“It is my view that the various positions that would be observed, by the lead presentation and discussants invited here, will leverage, how we, in the government and those in business, can come together, to gather support, for women”, he stressed.
Hamzat, noted that women are natural leaders, with the capacity of deep thinking, innovation and managerial know-how, nevertheless, the chance, to execute these talents, has eluded them.
“Technology, or, digital revolution is a means to an end. Our discussion here is to focus, on how women can benefit, specifically, from the digital revolution. It is pertinent to state, at this juncture that, Lagos State, is at the forefront of the digital revolution”, he opined.
Hamzat, added that the Lagos State Government, intends to empower and support innovation and technology, to enable facilities that support women entrepreneurship.
Mr. Babatunde Ruwase, President LCCI, in his remarks, stated that the theme of the 5th LCCI Women Conference, was chosen, in the light of the digital economy, in the business enterprise and development of governance.
“ICT is, the future of the world and research studies, have shown that 95% of jobs, have digital components. ICT is critical, to sustainable economic development and it remains a vital tool, for women empowerment”, Ruwase noted.
He further stated that, reports from NBS, shows that, ICT is currently Nigeria’s fastest-growing sector, with a growth rate of 9.25%, in the first quarter of 2019
“There is a global consensus and the call to action, for increased participation of women, in the technology sector and adoption of same, for their business, to boost their economy and maximise the potential, for women in economic engagement”, Ruwase explained.
“Looking at the opportunity of the ICT sector, women can no longer play second fiddle, in the 21st century. It is important, for every woman, who wants to stand out, in the business environment, to attach great importance, to digital revolution”, Ruwase concluded.
Other highlights from the conference included presentations from Mr. Raymomd Onuoha, Research Fellow, Lagos Business School/Pan-Atlantic University, MS. Edirin Edewor, Principal Consultant/Founder, Edagho Solutions, Ms. Carolina Wabara, Trainer/Consultant, WAB Digital.
Four students from Queens College, Lagos also showcased a waste bin they designed, powered by technology. The waste bin could be used without touching the lid and it has the ability to alert the waste management once it is filled.
Featured Image: dozilla.com.ng
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