Emma Okonji
Young girls who gathered for the International Day of the Girl Child, hosted in Nigeria by eBusiness Life Communications in Lagos recently, were advised to achieve their goals in life by tapping into opportunities that abound around them, and taking up those opportunities confidently.
Speaking at the event with the theme ‘The power of The Adolescent Girl: Vision For 2030’, which attracted several schools from Lagos and its environ, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Princess Adebisi Sosan, who also chaired the event, encouraged the girls to be bold and strong without waiting for opportunities to be handed to them.
According to her, although there were lots of challenges that plague girls in the African continent, girls should research and follow up on global trends, coupled with pursuant of relevant education that will enable them make the necessary difference that the society needs.
She further challenged them to make themselves relevant in all spheres of life and rise above the challenges that face them, and not to “advertise themselves through their dressing and talk mode.”
“Girls should also learn to encourage less privileged girls because the more the merrier. It’s about women supporting women, girls supporting girls. What boys can do, girls can do also, just offer yourselves to do those difficult tasks,” she further advised.
Also speaking at the event, Public Sector Manager, Globacom, partners of the event, Mrs. Tina Abdulateef noted that girls have strong assertive attention and long retention span and can take in a lot of information at a time, which gives them an edge over boys. “These are qualities that can be used to excel,” she asserted.
She advised them to research things that will develop them in whatever career path they may choose.
Lead Consultant, IT Managed Services, Signal Alliance Mr. Kinsley Inyang, who represented the Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Adanma Onuegbu, told the girls not to relent in the pursuit of their endeavors, but to strive hard, look higher and attain great part heights.
The students, during a panel discussion comprising representatives of five schools in attendance, expressed their concerns on the societal treatment of girls.
In her opening remark, the convener and Chief executive Officer of eBusiness Life Communication, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro, explained that the International Day of the Girl Child was a campaign to spread awareness about issues faced by girls, especially in developing countries.
“The main aims of the day are to promote girl empowerment and fulfilment of their human rights, while also highlighting the challenges that girls face all over the world face,” Emuophedaro said.
