The Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIIT) concluded its 10th National Conference and 11th Annual General Meeting with a glamorous Gala and Awards Night held in Abuja. Themed InnovativeHer ‘25, the event brought together women leaders from across generations who have pioneered, mentored, and transformed Nigeria’s digital and tech ecosystem.
The three-day event, which featured robust discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions, culminated in a night dedicated to honouring exceptional contributions to the advancement of women in technology. In her opening remarks, NIWIIT President, Dr. Ayodele Oluwakemi Sade, FNCS, described the celebration as “a significant moment not just for women in tech, but for every woman and girl daring to innovate and lead.”
“Tonight, we celebrate excellence, leadership, resilience, and innovation,” she said.
“This gathering is a testimony to our collective progress in mentorship, advocacy, and digital skill-building. Together, we are creating a tech ecosystem where no woman is left behind.”
Among those honoured during the “Investiture of New Iconic Women in IT” was Alhaja Asiwaju Muibat Folashade Aribidesi, a retired Director of the Central Bank of Nigeria and matron of PEACE Magazine. With over 30 years of experience in internal audit, IT governance, and enterprise learning development, Aribidesi has been a leading advocate for tech regulation and inclusion. She is also a Certified Information Systems Auditor and Fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society.
Also recognised was Dr. Moyin Florence Babalola, Chief Lecturer in Computer Science at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. With over two decades of commitment to computing education, she has played a pivotal role in grooming future tech professionals in Nigeria.
Other awardees included Bamidele Bayo-Osibo, past NIWIIT president and founder of the Initiative for Information Technology Capacity Building, who has over 25 years of local and international consulting experience, including IBM in Europe’s telecom sector. She was praised for her dedication to IT training and development.
Professor Virginia Ebere Ejiofor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University was commended for her academic leadership, having supervised over 20 PhD and 40 MSc students in computer science. Her work continues to inspire new generations of researchers and innovators.
Dr. Amina Sambo-Magaji, an acclaimed AI expert and founder of a tech empowerment foundation, was honoured for her role in developing Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. With over 21 years of experience, she has championed inclusive tech policies for women and girls nationwide.
The night was a blend of elegance, reflection, and renewed commitment to expanding opportunities for women in tech. Stakeholders, industry leaders, and advocates praised NIWIIT for setting a standard in celebrating female excellence and deepening digital inclusion across the country.
