Stakeholders Make Case For Holistic Development Of Girl Child

A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Women in Total Girl Development (WIT-GIRL), has underscored the importance of girl-child education and decried unfavourable gender-based policies against women in Nigeria’s leadership.

This was part of the consensus of stakeholders at an event themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” held in Uyo, the state capital.

It drew government officials, gender advocates, educators, and youth leaders to celebrate WIT-GIRL’s legacy and renewed commitment to advancing the rights and leadership of girls in the society.

In her opening address, the chairperson of the planning committee, Itoro Umoren, described the celebration as a “moment of reflection and renewed vision.”

She recalled that “for 21 years, WIT-GIRL has worked tirelessly to defend the dignity of the girl child and create opportunities for her to thrive.

Our work has gone beyond empowering girls; it now touches parents, teachers and community leaders, inspiring a culture of shared responsibility for gender equity.”

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Valerie Asanwana, urged parents and stakeholders to prioritise the holistic development of the girl child.

“Support your daughters emotionally, academically, and career-wise. Investing in their education is a secure future for your family and the nation. Girls don’t need charity; they need inclusivity, which is their right. Let them be seen as headlines, not footnotes,” she admonished.

She further encouraged girls not to be defined by crisis, but to rise above challenges as transformation leaders.

In her address, the chairperson of the group’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Prof. Comfort Ekpo, traced the organisation’s history to 1996, when five women united with a shared dream to rescue teenage girls from hopelessness and build a platform for empowerment.

According to her, the group was formally registered in 2004, expanding its reach through mentorship, education and advocacy.

“Our mission has remained steadfast in nurturing the growth of girls through counselling, mentorship, and empowerment; however, true gender equity cannot be achieved by empowering girls alone. Boys must also learn empathy, respect and partnership,” Ekpo said

She revealed that since 2016, WIT-GIRL has deliberately integrated boys into its programes to promote inclusivity and mutual respect. The group also established the Life-Long Development Academy (LDA). This vocational training institution equips male and female beneficiaries with skills in fashion design, ICT, catering, hairdressing, mechanics and more.

Highlighting WIT-GIRL’s achievements,  Ekpo disclosed that between January and September 2025, the organisation implemented 10 major programmes across the three senatorial districts of Akwa Ibom State, directly impacting over 900 beneficiaries. These included school leadership and rights campaigns, menstrual hygiene education, digital literacy sessions and career pathway seminars.

She also acknowledged partnerships with organisations such as the Ministry of Justice, Girls Power Initiative (GPI), Family Empowerment and Youth Re-Orientation Path Initiative (FEYReP), STRETCH Empowerment Initiative, Godwin Etim Foundation,\ and Akwa Ibom Women in Atlanta, among others.

Despite the achievements, Prof. Ekpo identified recurring challenges, including limited mobility for rural outreach, inadequate funding, cultural barriers and insufficient institutional support.

“The girl child is not a burden, but she is a builder. The boy child is not a rival but a partner. We must create equal opportunities for both,” she emphasised. “Investing in WIT-GIRL’s vision is investing in the future of the nation.”

Delivering a goodwill message, Mrs Patience Eka, president of the Akwa Ibom Women Initiative (AIWA) in Atlanta, Georgia, commended WIT-GIRL for its resilience and impact.

“For over two decades, you have been a strong voice and a pillar of support to vulnerable women and girls in Akwa Ibom, restoring dignity and opening doors of opportunity,” she said.

Similarly, Dr.  Enobong Imeh Akpan, representing the Beloved Girl-Child Team from New York, described the 21st anniversary as “a movement towards the growth and development of girls in a competitive world.” She encouraged girls to embrace their identity and divine worth, reminding them that they are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Also, Dr Margaret Mboho, a founding member of WIT-GIRL, reflected on the organisation’s transformation.

“Many girls who were once voiceless are now standing on the frontlines of change; strong, courageous and equipped to lead. That is the vision we dreamed of; today, it’s a reality,” she said.

The event featured a documentary showcasing WIT-GIRL’s impact stories, cultural performances and awards recognising outstanding partners, volunteers and beneficiaries.

As the celebration concluded, the participants pledged continued support for WIT-GIRL’s mission to nurture the next generation of resilient, empathetic and visionary leaders.

“We have lit candles, but now we must build a bonfire of change that cannot be ignored.” Prof Ekpo said in closing