In commemoration of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, Hope For African Children (HFAC); a Non-Governmental Organisation, has equipped over 500 girls in Enugu State with essential skills to lead and realize their full potential.
The young girls were empowered during the “Girls Dare to Lead Summit,” organized by HFAC to mark the Day on Friday in Enugu.
Addressing the participants, Noel Alumona, the Founder and Chief Executive of HFAC, emphasized that the gathering celebrated the strength and determination of young girls to create a brighter future for themselves, their communities, and the world.
Alumona, a United Nations-awarded Nigerian, revealed that the organisation was recognizing over 500 young girls from 32 secondary schools across the state and their remarkable aspirations.
He stated that the summit reflects HFAC’s commitment to empowering girls, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to succeed, and inspiring them to become leaders today and in the future.
“At HFAC, we believe that every girl deserves the opportunity to reach her full potential, ensuring that girls and young people with disabilities are not overlooked through inclusive education and equal opportunities,” he explained. “We are preparing girls to lead in every area of their lives before and after they turn 18, and we express our gratitude to our staff and volunteers who make this possible.”
“We are here to inspire, educate, and equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to pursue their aspirations confidently,” he added.
One highlight of the summit was the Girls Innovate Prize, a competition designed to foster creativity, problem-solving, and leadership among the girls. Alumona explained that by encouraging them to identify challenges in their schools and communities and develop innovative solutions, HFAC is empowering them to become change-makers and agents of positive transformation.
“We are also launching the ‘Girls Dare to Lead Bootcamp,’ a leadership development program aimed at empowering girls to see themselves as leaders. By equipping them with essential leadership skills, knowledge, and opportunities, we can inspire them to make a significant impact in their communities,” he stressed.
Alumona further elaborated on “The PadHER Project,” an initiative focused on tackling the critical issue of period poverty in Nigeria. He revealed that millions of girls nationwide miss school each month due to a lack of access to sanitary pads. The project aims to bridge this gap by advocating for government support to provide free sanitary pads and safe spaces for girls in schools.
“By ensuring that girls have access to menstrual hygiene products, we are helping them stay in school and continue their education without the fear of being stained. By investing in their education, empowerment, and well-being, we are investing in Nigeria’s future,” he said.
“This is why I urge the government—starting with our own Enugu State—to prioritize the needs of the girl child,” he appealed.
Ngozi Enih, the Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, encouraged the girls to speak up and assert their voices. She urged them to embrace their uniqueness and individuality, never compromising on their values or aspirations.
“Stand strong against societal challenges like premarital sex, early marriage, peer pressure, cultism, and any behaviors that undermine your potential,” she advised.
Angel Okwudili, a student from Raymond College Abakpa in Enugu, expressed her excitement about the program, stating, “I learned that as a girl, I should not miss school because of my period.”
