Korean Govt, UNFPA Urge Support For Women, Girls

The Korean government and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have enlisted support for the economic empowerment of women and girls in Nigeria’s digital economy sector.

The country director, Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Mr Kim Eunsub, who spoke on behalf of the sponsors, said this at the 2025 edition of the National Girls in ICT Competition grand finale in Abuja.

While celebrating talent and innovation of young Nigerian women, Eunsub said KOICA fully funded the 2025 National Girls in ICT Competition.

The programme sponsored by KOICA and UNFPA was supported by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and PLAN International, among others.

The programme was tagged: Code, Create and Inspire.

He said the programme reflected its continued commitment to advancing the economic empowerment of women and girls in Nigeria.

He elaborated on the agency’s goals, highlighting that initiatives like this would help to promote gender equality by facilitating access to financial services, ICT skills, and vocational training.

“These efforts are firmly aligned with KOICA’s Gender Equality Mid-Term Strategy 2021–2025, which seeks to strengthen capacity and expand opportunities for women and girls across the globe,” he said.

He also highlighted the broader commitment of the Korean Government, adding that empowering young girls through technology and innovation is key drivers for narrowing the gender gap in the ICT sector.

“We believe in creating an enabling environment where girls can engage meaningfully, lead confidently, and thrive in the digital economy.

“Today’s event marks another significant milestone in KOICA’s enduring digital transformation partnership with the Ministry and the people of Nigeria.

“KOICA remains steadfast in supporting the goals of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Ministry’s Strategic Blueprint.”

Mr Eunsub commended, encouraged the finalists and expressed optimism that the 13 finalist teams would explore the innovative skills they have achieved from this competition.

“To all 12 finalist teams: I wish you the very best of luck. Your innovative ideas, technical expertise, and passion for creating social impact are commendable.

“Regardless of the competition’s outcome, I am confident this experience will leave a lasting, transformational mark on each of you.”

He said that KOICA looked forward to deepening collaborations with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy as they work together to achieve shared vision of inclusive digital growth.

The Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani emphasised the importance of celebration and recognition within the tech space.

Tijani said that the future of Nigeria’s digital landscape would be shaped by the talent and ambition of today’s girls.

He acknowledged and appreciated key stakeholders and partners, recognising their crucial contributions to the nation’s technological advancement.

He underscored the government’s commitment to fostering a thriving ICT sector where girls were not only participants but also future leaders and innovators.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition commenced with 37 schools across the six geo-political zones in the country, with 13 schools making it to the final stage and three schools emerging as winners.

The winners include Trinity Secondary, Anambra State as the first position, Federal Government Girls College, Jalingo, Taraba as second position and Government Science and Technical College, Usugbenu, Irrua, Edo State a third position.

One of the participants, Ogbuke Mary Jane of Trinity Secondary School, Anambra, expressed delight and commended the Federal Government for its unwavering support to ICT empowerment and skills development.