The coordinator, Office of the First Lady in Edo State, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has called on girls to embrace leadership and become agents of change in their communities as the world marks the ‘International Day of the Girl-child.’
She made the call during a special interactive session with selected female students from secondary schools across Edo State, held in Government House, Benin City.
The event, organised by Edo State government in collaboration with BeLiEF and Care Foundation, a pet project of Her Excellency, had as its theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis.”
Anani noted that the theme resonates with the SHINE Agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo, which prioritises inclusive development and empowerment.
She added that the ‘Pad-A-Girl’ initiative would be extended to rural areas to ensure that every girl in Edo State has access to quality education and adequate healthcare.
She advised girls to take charge and lead with confidence, compassion and courage to shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
The chairman of the Edo State Senior Secondary Education Board (SSEB), Dr Maureen Ekhoragbon, encouraged the students to remain focused and take their studies seriously, while the special adviser to the governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Ms. Sally Suleiman, emphasised that mentorship plays a critical role in grooming future leaders.
In a goodwill message, an advocate for gender diversity in technology, Cynthia Udoh, admonished the student to take deliberate steps toward personal growth, stressing that “preparation meets opportunity through diligence and hard work.”
Students from Ugiomo Secondary School, Idia College, Army Day Secondary School, Asoro Grammar School, Ebomisi Senior Secondary School and Evbareke Senior Secondary School, participated in the session.
One of the students from Idia College, Igbinovia Osagioduwa, expressed gratitude to Mrs Anani for celebrating girls on the International Day of the Girl-child, appreciating the recognition of girls’ importance on the special day.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of souvenirs to participants and a group photograph session.
