NGO To Hold Empowerment Programme For Girls In Benue 

Glamodi Women and Girls Development Initiative (GLAMODI), an NGO committed to the comprehensive development of women and girls, has unveiled plans for the annual ‘Benue Girls Soar Summit’ in celebration of the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child.

Mrs. Stephanie Apel, Executive Director of GLAMODI, announced these plans at a pre-event press conference held on Friday in Abuja.

According to her,this year’s summit, with the theme “Girls Activism, Accountability & Resourcing,” is scheduled to take place from October 10 to 11 at the Benue Center for Enterprise and Innovation (BENCEDI) in Makurdi, Benue State.

She said, the event, which also mark the 10th edition of the annual event, will be held in collaboration with the Benue State Ministry of Women Affairs, with the support of other relevant stakeholders.

“Glamodi, in collaboration with esteemed partners, is delighted to announce the 2023 Benue Girls Soar Summit, an annual mentoring summit for final year secondary school girls in Benue State in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl.

“The event will kick off with a ‘Girls In Digitalization Quiz’ on the first day, aimed at empowering girls with essential digital skills, promoting gender diversity in the tech industry, nurturing a passion for technology and creative problem-solving, and facilitating networking opportunities for those dedicated to advancing girls’ empowerment in technology.

“On October 11, coinciding with the 2023 United Nations International Day of the Girl, the Benue Girls Soar Summit and Prize Ceremony will celebrate and inspire the next generation of leaders and change-makers.

“ The summit also focuses on providing mentorship opportunities for young girls, fostering thought leadership and dialogues on girls’ empowerment, and recognizing excellence in education and mentorship.

“The summit will feature speakers and mentors from diverse backgrounds, including Hon. Anna Itodo, the Commissioner of Women Affairs and social welfare in Benue State, as the Guest Speaker, along with other distinguished speakers and mentors”

Apel therefore called on well-meaning Nigerians, especially prominent individuals from Benue State and leaders at all levels, to support this initiative in their pursuit of a brighter future for the girl child.

“By supporting the Benue Girls Soar Summit, you will actively contribute to the empowerment and education of young girls, equipping them to excel in the digital age. Your partnership will boost our decade-long commitment to transforming lives and nurturing potential,” she added.

The International Day of the Girl Child, declared by the United Nations on October 11, 2012, aims to provide more opportunities for girls and raise awareness about the gender inequality faced by girls worldwide.

This inequality encompasses areas such as access to education, nutrition, legal rights, medical care, and protection from discrimination, violence against women, and forced child marriage.