Strengthening the Future: The Importance of Girl-Child Empowerment
Stakeholders have emphasized the need for increased investment in girl-child empowerment and education, highlighting its significance in leadership development, national growth, and the prevention of human trafficking and other forms of exploitation. These calls were made during the graduation and award ceremony of the first cohort of the African Girl Guides’ 12-week leadership and empowerment program in Abuja.
The event, themed “Leading Beyond the Programme: Sustaining Purpose, Influence and Impact,” brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, trainers, parents, and young women. This gathering underscored the collective commitment to fostering the potential of girls and young women across Nigeria.
A Vision for National Development
Nelson Ogohi, the Founder of Uplift International, stressed that investment in the girl child should be considered a national priority, especially in regions where girls face significant barriers to education. He argued that empowering women is essential for national development, as women play crucial roles in raising and shaping future generations.
Ogohi explained that the organization’s leadership philosophy is built around three interconnected concepts: purpose, influence, and impact. According to him, young women must first understand their purpose, use their influence positively, and translate that influence into measurable impact. He called on the government, community leaders, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to do more to promote girl-child education across Nigeria, emphasizing that the challenges facing girl-child education in parts of the country require urgent national attention.
From Dream to Reality
Jindu Elueze, the Founder of Paw Salvation and African Girl Guide, shared his journey, which began about a decade ago when he left Nigeria for the United States with a dream that evolved into Paw Salvation. This initiative started by feeding homeless pets and their families in Chicago and later gained recognition through ABC7’s “Making Chicago Proud” honor and NewsNation’s “American Hero” designation.
Elueze described the recognition he received in the United States as preparation for a larger assignment of bringing the spirit of service back to Africa. “Every award, every headline, was never the destination — it was preparation for the real assignment: bringing that same spirit of service back to the continent that raised me,” he said. He expressed hope that the graduation of the girls would demonstrate how an immigrant’s dream could transcend borders and create opportunities for young women on the African continent.
Expanding the Mission
Elueze also urged the graduates to see themselves as the reason the journey from Lagos to Chicago and now Accra and Nigeria had meaning. He added that their graduation marked only the beginning of their leadership journey. As part of this mission, the African Girl Guide is planting its initiatives in Ghana and Nigeria simultaneously.
Sophia Okiasi, the Manager of African Girl Guide, highlighted that the organization graduated 37 young women from its first cohort after 12 weeks of intensive engagement. She noted that 10 participants received outstanding awards in different categories, including contribution and attendance, while all 37 graduates received certificates of participation and engagement.
Okiasi explained that the program was designed to give young women the confidence, awareness, and skills required to navigate leadership and other challenges. She encouraged more young women to join the organization, describing it as a community where girls could learn, build confidence, and prepare for leadership.
Combating Exploitation Through Education
Binta Adamu Bello, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, represented by Mrs Kehinde Akomolafe, emphasized the importance of empowering girls to prevent human trafficking and other forms of exploitation. She stated that traffickers often prey on ignorance, poverty, and low self-esteem, adding that educated, skilled, and confident girls are less vulnerable to deception and exploitation.
“Know your rights. No one has the right to exploit you for labor, sex or any criminal activities,” she told the graduates. She also urged them to verify opportunities advertised on social media and elsewhere, warning that offers that appeared too good to be true could expose young women to trafficking.
Bello further charged the graduates to become guides to other girls as they progressed in life. “Lead another girl as you rise. That is indeed the true map of leadership,” she said.
Integrity as a Leadership Foundation
Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, represented by Aisha Mohamed, urged the graduates to make integrity the foundation of their leadership. She stressed that the fight against corruption cannot be left solely to law enforcement agencies and emphasized the need for proper upbringing, character development, and youth empowerment.
“Do not be cheated, and do not cheat others. At the EFCC, we find the Yahoo boys and the get-rich-quick mentality destroying many of our youths. But we know that law enforcement alone is not enough,” she said. Olukoyede encouraged the graduates to reject fraud and shortcuts, use their influence responsibly, and become examples of integrity in their schools, businesses, communities, and homes.
She mentioned that the EFCC has programs such as Women Against Corruption and Integrity Clubs in schools because of the important role women play in shaping society.
A Journey of Growth and Contribution
One of the award recipients, Ezechukwu Chidinma Maryanne, who received the Grand Award of Excellence, described the honor as unexpected and a privilege. She pledged to use the recognition as motivation to contribute to the growth of African Girl Guide and inspire more young women to recognize their value and capacity to create change.
“I would ensure that this award is not just something that ends here today. I would ensure that the aim and objective of African Girl Guide goes beyond what we have seen,” she said. She expressed hope that the initiative would produce more graduates and create opportunities for young women to make meaningful contributions to Nigerian society.
