OMATEK BOSS MAKES CASE FOR GIRL-CHILD EDUCATION

The Head of Corporate Communications, Omatek Computers, Mr. Biyi Fashoyin, has called on the Federal Government, non-governmental organisations and the society to increase support and advocacy programmes for protection and education of the girl-child in the country.

Fashoyin, who spoke at the closing ceremony of Women's Technology Empowerment Centre's Girls 2010 camp in Lagos on Saturday, called for increased collaboration between the Federal Government and other well- meaning organisations to come up with innovative programmes that could empower the girl-child educationally and socially.

'We need to free the girl- child from unwanted pregnancies, illiteracy, early unwanted marriages, rape, poverty and sexual abuse. This can be achieved if all tiers of government can come up with ideas and laws that will help empower the girl-child working in collaboration with interested and respected organisations.'

Also, the Executive Director, W.TEC, Ms. Oreoluwa Somolu, said that the organisation was formed with the aim of addressing the imbalances in the participation of women in Nigeria's information technology industry.

She noted that although Nigeria had witnessed growth in information communication technology jobs especially within the oil and gas, telecommunications, banking, and other sectors, statistics showed that women accounted for less than 20 per cent of these jobs.

'According to data from Development Information Network, women tend to occupy non-technical positions in Nigeria. This is a big loss to the economic and social development opportunities for women. It also hinders Nigeria's progress. Research has shown a positive correlation between women's economic and social development and national growth.' Somolu said.

She said that to bridge the gap, W.TEC had organised a one-week residential camp for girls selected from secondary schools across the country where the girls were introduced to ICT. This, she noted, could give them realistic idea of technology-related careers.

The highlight of the event, was the presentation of 8-inch, Omatek Notebook laptop to the overall best camper of the year, 14-year-old, Miss Aaliyah Ibrahim of Zamani College, Kaduna State by the Managing Director, Omatek Computers, Mrs. Florence Seriki, for her outstanding performance throughout her stay in the camp.