WoPU BACKS TINUBU, PLANS NATIONWIDE MOBILISATION AHEAD OF 2027 – COORDINATOR

By Bisola Shittu 

L–R: A participant from Highscope School, Ojodu; Mrs. Bria, a parent, with Princess Adeola Shittu, Founder of Event Diary Lifestyle and Convener of the Young Girls in School Initiative (YGISI); and Mrs. Amina Omoike, Group Head, Media Services, during the 3rd Edition of the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) with Young Girls in School, held in Lagos on Friday, March 13, 2026.

In celebration of International Women's Day 2026, speakers at the Young Girls in School Initiative, organised by Event Diary Lifestyle, have called for greater emphasis on skills development and confidence building among young girls.

The programme, which marked the third edition of the initiative, was held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Haina Event Centre, Ojodu, bringing together students, parents, and educators for mentorship sessions and practical training designed to encourage girls to discover their abilities and develop valuable life skills.

Convener of the initiative, Princess Adeola Shittu, welcomed participants and highlighted the purpose of the programme.

“It is a huge privilege for me to stand before you today as we celebrate the third edition of International Women’s Day with the Young Girls in School Initiative,” she said.

According to Shittu, this year’s edition deliberately introduced practical learning sessions to ensure participants gain useful skills alongside their academic education.

“We sat together as a team and decided to approach this year’s programme from another angle by introducing practical skills that the girls can learn and develop. The aim is to help them discover their talents and build confidence,” she added.

One of the highlights was a practical training session on hair fastening facilitated by Adejoke Ogunbona, popularly known as Unique, who encouraged the students to see skill acquisition as a pathway to creativity, independence, and entrepreneurship. She emphasized that learning practical skills at a young age can help students uncover hidden talents and create future opportunities.

Also speaking at the event, Amina Omoike, guest speaker and media practitioner, emphasized the importance of leadership, confidence, and continuous learning for young girls. Advocating women’s empowerment and leadership development, Omoike encouraged participants to believe in themselves and seize every opportunity to grow.

“Young girls must develop the courage to express their ideas, build their talents, and pursue their dreams without fear,” she said.

Delivering the keynote address, Anietie Udoh, Divisional Director of Marketing at Marketing Edge, stressed that education alone is insufficient in today’s world without practical skills.

“Skills are powerful because they give you the ability to create something valuable wherever you go. School provides the foundation, but skills help you turn knowledge into action,” he said. Udoh also urged the girls to develop confidence in themselves and never underestimate their potential. He cited the achievements of globally recognized women such as Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mo Abudu, and Funke Akindele as examples of women who have succeeded through determination, skill, and confidence.

The programme featured an interactive session where students asked questions, as well as school presentations, drama performances, and choreography.

Beyond the students, parents also benefited from the practical training and commended the organisers for the initiative. Mrs. Oke praised the founder for creating a platform that exposes young girls to practical opportunities.

“Many of the students may not fully understand what the training is about now, but it is an avenue for them to start making money,” she said.

Another participant, Mrs. Adeshina, expressed delight at the initiative, noting that she is an advocate of the girl child and proud to be part of a programme that promotes leadership and empowerment.

Some parents shared their excitement at learning new skills, with one saying,

“Today I learned something new. When I get home, I will keep practicing so I can develop my skills in hair fastening.” Another parent, a banker, added, “I never knew it was this easy to learn. Whenever I need hair fastening for myself or my daughters, it usually costs money, but now I can do it myself.”

Participants noted that the programme, themed “Gifts to Gain,” aligns with the global message of International Women’s Day by encouraging girls to develop practical skills and confidence that will help them succeed in the future. Certificates were awarded to participants at the end of the programme.

The Young Girls in School Initiative, a project of Event Diary Lifestyle, continues to promote mentorship, leadership, and skills development among girls, helping them build confidence and prepare for future opportunities.