Silicon Valley Women Tech Leaders Visit Nigeria for Week-Long Mentorship program

  Silicon Valley Women Tech Leaders Visit Nigeria for Week-Long Mentorship program

By Prisca Sam-Duru

A 16-member delegation of senior women technology executives and professionals from Silicon Valley, California are visiting Nigeria from March 18-23 as part of the TechWomen program.  
The women represent organizations as diverse as Twitter, LinkedIn, Netflix, Mozilla, Autodesk, WomenCollegeTech, Stanford Graduate School of Business, Juniper Networks, as well as Fairrer Samani Group, Northgate Environmental Management, Jessica Dickinson Goodman Consulting, and the Institute of International Education.   Members of the delegation include Ms. Larissa Shapiro, Head of Mozilla’s Global Diversity and Inclusion Division, and Twitter’s Senior Software Engineer, Ms.  Elizabeth Deng. Ms. Deng, a computer science graduate of the University of Southern California co-organized “Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program” for the micro-blogging website in 2017.   Dr. Leedjia Svec, Director WomenCollegeTech and former Director of Programs at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, alongside Ms. Maile Smith, Principal Geologist/ Chief Operating Officer at Northgate Environmental Management, are part of the travelling delegation.  
The delegation is working with Nigerian Fellows of the TechWomen program to carry out mentoring sessions in Lagos and Abuja for young women working in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).   
During the week-long program, the delegation will visit non-governmental organizations, private and public enterprises, universities, schools, tech incubators and innovation hubs to expand networks of women in STEM teaching and learning in Nigeria.  
Launched in 2011, TechWomen is an initiative of the Department of State, which supports the U.S. government’s global commitment to advance the participation of women and girls around the world in the business and technology sectors.   In addition to sending delegations of American women technology mentors abroad, the TechWomen exchange program brings young women leaders from the Middle East, Central Asia, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria to the United States for a professional mentorship at leading technology companies.

National Integration via culture: Children take front burner

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/03/national-integration-via-culture-children-take-front-burner/amp/

NLNG calls for entries for 2018 Nigeria prize for Lit

NLNG calls for entries for 2018 Nigeria prize for Lit

By Prisca Sam-Duru

Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas,

NLNG, Limited, sponsors of The Nigeria Prize for Literature and The Nigeria Prize for Science, is calling for Entries for the 2018 edition of the prizes.

The focus for the literature prize in 2018 is Drama while the science prize will be 

accepting entries on Innovations in Electric Power Solutions. The literature prize rotates among four literary genres- Prose Fiction, Poetry, Drama and Children’s Literature. 

The prizes come with a prize cash of $100,000 each. 

The literature prize opened on February 13, 2018 and will close on March 29, 2018. 

The window for the science prize on the other hand, opened on February 15, 2018 and will close on May 25, 2018.

According to the company, Professor Matthew Umukoro will chair the panel of 

judges for this year’s Literature prize competition. Professor Umukoro is a professor of Theatre Arts at University of Ibadan. Other members include Professor Mohammed Inuwa Buratai, a Professor of Theatre and Performing Arts and the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU), Zaria; and Dr. Mrs Ngozi Udengwu, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Film Studies at University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

The Nigeria Prize for Literature has since 2004 rewarded eminent writers such as 

Ikeogu Oke (2017, Poetry) with The Heresiad; Abubakar Adam Ibrahim (2016, 

Prose) with Season of Crimson Blossoms; Sam Ukala (2014; Drama) with Iredi War; 

Tade Ipadeola (2013; Poetry) with his collection of poems, Sahara Testaments; 

Chika Unigwe (2012 – prose), with her novel, On Black Sister’s Street; as well as 

Adeleke Adeyemi (2011, children’s literature) with his book The Missing Clock.

Others are Esiaba Irobi (2010, drama) who clinched the prize posthumously with his 

book Cemetery Road; Kaine Agary (2008, prose) with Yellow Yellow; Mabel Segun 

(co-winner, 2007, children’s literature) for her collection of short plays Reader’s 

Theatre; Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo (co-winner, 2007, children’s literature) 

with her book, My Cousin Sammy; Ahmed Yerima (2006, drama) for his classic,

STEM education, alternative learning are vital for devt - STEM METS

STEM education, alternative learning are vital for devt - STEM METS

By Prisca Sam-Duru 

STEM METS Resources, has reiterated its commitment to STEM Education in the country, through a strategic partnership with Airbus Foundation, makers of commercial aircrafts Airbus. 

This enterprise, a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) focused social enterprise in Nigeria,  encourages students to be better problem solvers, innovators, and creative thinkers, while preparing them for varying careers in the future workplace.

STEM METS is an organization which was founded on the premise, of creating a diverse way of learning, and to empower young students in Nigeria with skills required for the future global workplace. It is committed to nurturing, enriching and inspiring young minds by providing quality, innovative, alternative educational learning platforms. 

The mission for STEM METS is to introduce STEM based programs and activities to children aged 3-16 across Nigeria which will inspire innovation and creativity. 

Established in 2014, with over 4000 students reached in 12 schools, STEM METS Resources started its first initiative running the Bricks4kidz program in schools in January 2014.The initiative engages students using LEGO Bricks to deliver high quality, educational play that translates to learning; and also through several enrichment holiday workshops and clubs. Till date, the organisation has hosted 42 workshops offered as after school classes, holiday camps and field trips. 

Most recently, the company has partnered with Airbus Foundation, a subsidiary of Airbus, to administer its robotics and aviation program to youths aged 11-16, through its workshop called Airbus the Little Engineer Workshop A380. The goal of the partnership is to support Nigeria’s 

efforts in creating a sustainable pipeline of talent for Africa, encouraging students to embrace technology, and ignite a passion in them that can grow into a STEM career. 

Speaking about the organization, founder, STEM METS Resources Jadesola Adedeji, said “STEM is the future for development in Africa and we believe that it is one of the tools needed to fully create a generation of innovators and contribute to sustainable economic development of 

our nation, Nigeria. There’s a disconnect between skills required for the future workplace and skills our graduates possess as they enter the workforce - these skills need to be developed in 
early childhood education and our curricula in Nigeria also needs to reflect this. It is also very important as a nation, to identify the importance of alternative learning for students and teachers 
in our schools. Through practical STEM education, young students will be equipped with hands-on skills, to prepare them for their future, and the future of Nigeria as a whole.”

STEM METS Resources also supports governments, businesses and schools in developing strategic programs targeted at increasing students’ engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Undergraduates acquire skills at GTCrea8 Convention

By Prisca Sam-Duru

It was an overwhelming crowd comprising mainly students from tertiary institutions, that attended the maiden edition of GTCrea8 Convention for Undergraduates, held on Thursday  March 8, at the University of Lagos, Akoka.  The one day convention brought together undergraduates from universities  across Nigeria who are passionate about technology, digital media, creative writing, fashion, makeup artistry and music production to interact with role models in their areas of interests.  Organised by Guaranty Trust Bank plc, the GTCrea8 Convention which was highly innovative and entrepreneurial, featured Master classes facilitated by  captains of industries who not only enlightened the undergraduates with practical knowledge in their  areas of passion but also inspired them with their personal experiences on how to build a successful business  career out of their passions even while as undergraduates. The various categories of the Master classes include; The Business of Creative Writing handled by Lola  Shoneyin, author of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives; Technology was facilitated by Iyin Aboyeji, Co- Founder and Managing Director of Flutterwave; Uche Pedro, Founder of BellaNaija taught the students Digital Media; Makeup Artistry was handled by Anita Adetoye, Creative Director of Anita Brows while Fashion Design was taken by Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Creative Director of the self-named fashion label. Ms Lola Shoneyin who took the first master class in creative writing, began with narrating her journey through the writing terrain. She advised intending writers who could be in any faculty, to ensure they read voraciously, if they must become writers. Shoneyin also emphasised the need for them to attend readings, workshops, master classes, seminars and be around a community of writers.  Rather than engage in activities inimical to their academics or future,  Iyin Aboyeji advised students interested in technology to think outside the box and create something that could become a formidable platform for their self reliance when they graduate. Speaking about the GTCrea8 Convention, Managing Director and Chief  Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, Segun Agbaje said the bank is committed to providing "Young people in tertiary institutions with a platform that enables them connect with peers and interact with role models in their  areas of interest. With the lineup of activities and the wealth of experience shared at the event, I am confident that the GTCrea8 Convention will have a lasting impact in helping the undergraduates build successful careers.” "Guaranty Trust Bank plc has been at the forefront of supporting education for all and champions several initiatives that provide undergraduates with various avenues to learn, interact and have fun while in school. Beyond the GTCrea8 Convention, the bank also runs the GTCrea8 Education Support Scheme  with which it offers financial support to undergraduates and the Campus Storms which brings Digital Skills Training as well as popular musicians and comedians to universities across the country.", He explained. Undergraduates acquire skills at GTCrea8 convention Show quoted text

7 female artists raise alarm on women's mental health

7 female artists raise alarm on women's mental health

By Prisca Sam-Duru

The Wheatbaker is proud to host the third edition of the all-female Standing Out exhibition
titled, UNMASKED, which is curated by SMO Contemporary Art and honors women across the globe.
Opening tomorrow, 11th March, UNMASKED presents the powerful and energized artwork of seven female artists who have strong links to
Lagos but come from different parts of Nigeria, Cameroon, the Gambia, India, and the United States: Nengi
Omuku, Djakou Kassi Nathalie, Somi Nwandu, Nyancho NwaNri, Koromone Koroye, Reha Shishodia and
Queen Nwaneri. The exhibition explores women’s mental health through 35 paintings, photographs, digital art,
ceramic sculptures, poetry & spoken word performance and a large multi-media string installation.
This year’s Standing Out exhibition departs a little from the highly publicized women’s issues such as lack of
access to education, gender based violence, and the need for economic equality, to delve in to the complex
world of women’s mental health which clearly impact their ability to fight for recognition and equality.
According to the World Health Organisation, over 7 million Nigerians suffer from depression and 4.8 million
Nigerians (2.7% of the population) suffer from anxiety disorders. World wide just 3% of total government
spending is for mental health.1 The UNMASKED exhibition is the brainchild of two emerging curators, Nneoma
Ilogu and Moni Oloke, who are both health professionals and have been focusing on art through their work at
SMO Contemporary Art.
“We believe that art is an important tool for advocacy and change in society,” the two curators explained during
the press preview. “We choose artists who have a strong message and presence, and could help to publicize
the need for society to focus on the mental well being of women.”
The exhibition explores complex questions of identity, breaking down stereotypes, and dealing with societal
pressures in the congested, over-populated mega-city of Lagos. The artists explore diverse emotional
mindscapes and question what lies behind the mask: how do we break down societal constructs on what it is
and what it takes to be a woman in a male dominated society? How do women explore and present their true
multi-layered selves, and inspire others to demand for justice, break through glass ceilings, avoid society’s
obsession with perfection, tear down walls of shame and guilt, and rip off these stifling emotional masks.
“UNMASKED is a bold and honest expose of what goes on within women’s mindscapes through the intricate
and emotionally charged work of these phenomenal artists,” said Sandra Mbanefo Obiago, Founder & Artistic
Director of SMO Contemporary Art, the Wheatbaker’s long standing art curator. “We are excited that the hotel
can advocate for better support for mental health in Nigeria by providing an important platform for these vital
issues to be addressed through art.”
UNMASKED runs from March 11th to May 4th, 2018 and is supported by Louis Guntrum, and the Wheatbaker