Llewelyn-Jones: More Nigerian women need access in digital economy

Ben Llewelyn-Jones, outgoing British deputy high commissioner to Nigeria, says women have limited opportunities in the country’s digital economy.

Llewelyn-Jones spoke on Wednesday evening at his farewell reception organised by the British deputy high commission in Lagos.

He noted that bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom have been strengthened through various partnerships and interventions from both parties.

The UK envoy added that under his watch, the commission empowered women in getting access to the digital space.

He also said both male and female entrepreneurs had been connected to investors to pitch ideas for the growth of businesses.

“Over the years, we have been trying to help women and girls access the digital space, digital skills and be part of the digital economy,” Llewelyn-Jones said.

“We believe more women and girls need to be able to access and work in the digital space and we have connected female and male tech entrepreneurs with investors.

“This would enable them prepare, pitch their ideas, find the right connections and ensure that the tech industry in the country reaches its full potential, as Nigeria has some really cutting edge technology.”

Llewelyn-Jones also added that the UK government has lent its support to victims of sexual violence through various programmes, and encouraged victims to speak up on the issue.

“We have been working with victims of sexual violence and assaults, as we have raised funds for some centres for these cases in Lagos,” he said.

“The most important message to get across is about prevention and to ensure that people who need help and support can have access to these services.

“We try and make sure that people across Nigeria are able to speak out and prevent those kinds of acts from happening.”

Reflecting on his time in Nigeria, Llewelyn-Jones said he would miss the high energy, confidence, self belief and culture of Nigerians.

He advised foreign countries to replicate Nigeria’s rich diversity, music and culture as “important lessons could be learnt from them”.

“Over the past years, I had the opportunity to visit over 10 states in the country and I came across thousands of Nigerians and the constant trait about everyone is the high energy amongst them,” Llewelyn-Jones said.

“The interesting thing about them is how they approach things, the food they have, the culture, the music and I really enjoyed their diversity.

“Personally, my favorite dish is jollof rice and chicken and even though I’m not great with spices, I have still tried other delicacies and I like plantain also.

“In all of these, what I would really miss is the energy of the people in Nigeria and I think that is something that’s really hard to replicate in any part of the world.”

The British diplomat spent three years in Nigeria.