Bukola Afeni
In commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, Starcrest for Women in Africa Foundation has unveiled its “Project Empower Her Africa,” a campaign designed to equip girls with the skills and confidence they need to thrive.
Speaking at the event held at Government Girls Secondary School Dutse, Abuja, the Executive Director of Starcrest Foundation, Barr. Esther Omenka said the body will provide leadership training and gender awareness to instill confidence and help girls realize their potential.
The initiative is in collaboration with the Office of the Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs Secretariat FCTA, Hasam Foundation, and Lassie Empowerment Foundation focusing on fostering leadership, enhancing gender awareness, and promoting mentorship among girls.
It is aimed at uplifting the girl child, with the theme: “Girls Vision for the Future”
The Executive Director of the Starcrest Foundation, Barr. Esther Omenka, said the initiative will extend across every geopolitical zone in Nigeria and throughout Africa.
She said: “Project Empower Her Africa Gen Alpha is not just a program; it’s a movement aimed at transforming the mindset of young girls from ‘I cannot’ to ‘I can.’ We are providing leadership training and gender awareness to instill confidence and help them realize their potential. This initiative will extend across every geopolitical zone in Nigeria and throughout Africa.”
Omenka further underscored the vital role of mentorship: “We believe in peer-to-peer mentoring. By connecting girls with mentors, we create a ripple effect that fosters growth and support. Today is about establishing a lasting mentorship scheme in schools, ensuring that these girls receive guidance long after this event.”
Also speaking, the Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs Secretariat FCTA,Hon. Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, emphasized the importance of education and mentorship.
Adedayo said the African Girl Child is the real define expression of distinction for the global Girl Child anywhere in the world.
“The GGSS dutse is the expression of humble girls who come from indigent backgrounds marginalized, but you see everything, they are truly from dutse to the United nations.
They are queens who have given expressions to the distinction of girl child excellence, academics , and social dynamics in their aspirations”. She disclosed
The Coordinator for the African Women Conference Next, Shetu Gamaliel Shetu, expressed her excitement about the partnership.
She said: “Being here today is a blessing. Our partnership with Starcrest Foundation aligns with our goal to empower the next generation. We aim to be role models and show these girls the right path. Today, we are providing hygiene kits and awarding a scholarship to Ifunanya, who excelled in poetry. This is just the beginning of our commitment to their future.”
The Hon Mandate Secretary recieved the much coveted award of the StarCrest Quintessential Woman of the Year 2024 for her remarkable dedication and tireless advocacy for the empowerment and advancement of the girl child.
In the same vein, notable women leaders were also awarded for their unwavering dedication to the eradication of the marginalization of Women in Africa.
Professor Hauwa Ibrahim recieved the StarCrest woman Advocate of the year; Her Royal Highness, Hauwa Adamu Ibrahim received the Royal Mother of the year.
Barr. Esther Omenka received the StarCrest Woman Icon of the year; Olajumoke Adeniyi, Shetu Gamaliel, Queenette Martins, Barr. Pamela Ozigbu, Amb. Rita Mark, Luscord Integrated Services Limited, Esv. Toyin Ilori and Mrs Deborah Bonire amongst others were other awardees.
