*The Nigerian Communications Commission launches its maiden Women in Leadership Programme, designed to provide mentorship opportunities for ’emerging female professionals’ by connecting them with experienced women leaders within the Commission, and the broader telecoms sector across the West African country
Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect
In consonance with the telecoms sector regulatory Commission’s human capacity-building drive, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched its maiden Women in Leadership Programme at an event in Abuja, FCT.
ConsumerConnect reports the NCC revealed the initiative is aimed at empowering female professionals, and strengthening leadership development across the telecoms and technology sector of the Nigerian economy.
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The female professional empowerment initiative, which the Commission unveiled on the occasion in Abuja, was designed to provide mentorship opportunities for “emerging female professionals” by connecting them with experienced women leaders within the Commission and the broader telecommunications industry in the West African country.
It is equally noted its Women in Leadership Programme underscores the NCC’s commitment to promoting gender inclusion, nurturing female talent, and creating a stronger network of women leaders capable of driving innovation and sustainable growth in the all-important telecoms sector of the Nigerian economy.
Dr. Maida: How women excel in strategic leadership positions at NCC
Speaking at the launch of the programme held the NCC Headquarters, in Abuja, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Commission, highlighted the significant contributions the womenfolk have made to the telecoms industry regulator.
Dr. Maida affirmed that women have continued to excel in strategic leadership positions while playing a vital role in driving the regulatory organisation’s continued success.
Highlighting specific areas of impact the women have attained, the EVC/CEO of NCC also disclosed that women currently, head several critical Departments within the Commission.
According to him, these include Legal Services, Information Technology, Procurement, Public Affairs, Consumer Affairs and Internal Audit, demonstrating both competence and effective leadership in this regard.
He further disclosed that the Women in Leadership Programme was conceived to inspire younger female professionals to aspire to senior management and executive positions by learning directly from accomplished women in their careers.
The Executive Vice-Chairman noted at the event: “We have a lot of very strong women. Not only are they in positions of authority, but they also deliver.
“This event is needed to encourage the younger women to aspire to reach the top level of their careers.”
On women’s resilience in balancing official responsibilities, family commitments
Appreciating their abilities and commitment to excellence despite pressures, Maida as well acknowledged the unique challenges women face in balancing their professional responsibilities with family commitments in the sector.
The NCC Chief Executive applauded female professionals for their resilience, dedication and ability to deliver results despite these competing demands on diverse fronts.
He asserted that women’s efforts certainly, deserve recognition and support.
Earlier, in her keynote address on the occasion, Ms. Maryam Idris, Managing Director of NNPC Trading Company Limited, had urged women to deliberately invest in their personal and professional development by acquiring relevant skills, building competence, and embracing lifelong learning.
Idris urged female professionals to confidently communicate their achievements while maintaining integrity throughout their careers.
According to her, professional cum technical expertise alone may not be sufficient for career advancement in the the workplace.
She urged the womenfolk: “Build your competence. Read, manage your career, find mentors and sponsors, and continue building your capacity. What you know is something nobody can take away from you.”
We’re committed to institutionalising leadership development for women, by Makama, ECSM
Speaking on the rationale for organising the maiden Women in Leadership Programme for fellow women at the event, Ms. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management (ECSM) at NCC, excitedly described the mentorship initiative as a strategic effort at institutionalising leadership development for women within the telecoms regulatory Commission.
Makama disclosed the overarching objective of the women-oriented programme is to establish a sustainable network of accomplished female leaders that would mentor younger professionals.
She noted that such experienced female leaders would ensure that leadership development remains a continuous process beyond their tenure of individual office holders.
The ECSM of the Commission also affirmed that the country’s telecoms regulator already enjoys substantial female representation in leadership positions.
According to her, the Commission further intends to build on this considerable progress by preparing more women to assume strategic responsibilities in the future.