Determined to inspire, educate and empower young girls on the 2025 International Women’s Day Celebration, led Event Diary Lifestyle to gather young girls with a view to sharing knowledge, innovation, and financial literacy.
The event held at Top Teez Academy, Ojodu Abiodun, brought together about 200 students from Top Teez Academy, Highscope School, and Real Prudent Height Academy for an insightful day of learning and opportunities.
In her welcome address, Princess Adeola Shittu, the convener of the Young Girls in School Initiative, reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to empowering young girls through education, skills acquisition, and digital literacy.
“This initiative is growing stronger each year. Our goal is to ensure young girls have the knowledge, confidence, and resources to break barriers and excel in all fields, especially in technology, finance, and leadership,” she said.
She extended appreciation to NDLEA, Akin Ogunbiyi Foundation, Access Holdings PLC, and Mutual Benefits Assurance PLC for their support in making the event a success.
In her keynote speech, Kofoworola Belo-Osagie highlighted the crucial role of knowledge and innovation in shaping the future of young girls. She provided insights into Nigeria’s demographic and socio-economic realities, emphasizing challenges such as poverty, early marriage, and limited access to education.
Stressing the power of education and digital literacy, she encouraged the girls to build competence, confidence, and courage to compete in a world driven by innovation.
She urged them to leverage technology for learning, skill development, and problem-solving, positioning themselves as future leaders and change-makers in Nigeria and beyond.
Adding depth to the event was a special awareness session led by representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mrs. Dick Muliat Adunni, who delivered an engaging session on the dangers of substance abuse and peer pressure, educating the students on the risks associated with drug use and emphasizing the importance of making informed choices.
The event featured a panel of distinguished speakers, each bringing unique insights to inspire and educate the girls. Mrs. Eunice Okoye (Legal Practitioner & Human Rights Advocate) spoke on “Empowering Young Girls: Understanding Their Rights and Protecting Their Future.”
Comrade Ifeanyi A. Chukwu (Maritime Administrator & Media Consultant) discussed “The Role of Media and Maritime Opportunities in Shaping the Future for Young Girls,” while Amina Omoike (Media Practitioner) explored “The Power of Media and Technology in Shaping the Future for Young Girls.”
Also, DSP David Adeboye (Nigeria Police Force, Security Expert) addressed “The Role of Security and Discipline in a Digital World: Keeping Young Girls Safe Online and Offline.”
One of the standout moments of the event was the collaborative effort between Access Holdings PLC and Event Diary Lifestyle to empower six outstanding students by providing them with newly opened bank accounts with each student received a cash prize, which will be deposited into their accounts, promoting early financial literacy, savings culture, and responsible money management.
Additionally, during the raffle draw supported by the Akin Ogunbiyi Foundation, one lucky student won the Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc Children Education Plan. This initiative reinforced the importance of financial planning and securing a child’s educational future by providing structured savings support.
The event was filled with excitement as students competed in Puzzle Games, Art & Painting Competitions, and a Raffle Draw, with winners receiving amazing prizes.
Winners of the Word Puzzle Game Competition: Anabor Omuwa (Top Teez Academy), 2nd Place: Jacob Chinaza (Highscope School) and 3rd Place: Eshiet Grace (Top Teez Academy)
Winners of the Art & Painting Competition: 1st Place: Aliu Khadijat Favour (Top Teez Academy), 2nd Place: Olusegun Favour (Highscope School), 3rd Place: Oke Tioluwaniyin (Highscope School) and 4th Place: Napoleon Esther (Real Prudent Height Academy)
Raffle Draw Winner: Eshiet Grace (Top Teez Academy) won the Mutual Benefits Assurance PLC Children Education Plan.
Expressing gratitude after the event, some students shared their excitement about the opportunities given to them.
“I am so excited and grateful for this opportunity! Winning the Mutual Benefits Assurance PLC Children Education Plan means a lot to me and my future. This will help me stay focused on my education without worrying about school expenses. A big thank you to Mutual Benefits Assurance PLC and the Akin Ogunbiyi Foundation for this amazing support!” – Eshiet Grace
Adding color and excitement, each participating school presented unique performances, showcasing the creativity and talents of their students. One of the highlights was a cultural display by students of Top Teez Academy, representing Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Calabar traditions, bringing joy and excitement to the audience.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Ohallem Nneka Vivian, the PTA Chairperson, commended the organizers and sponsors for their commitment to empowering young girls. She specifically recognized Access Bank and Mutual Benefits Assurance PLC for their financial support and encouraged continued collaboration to foster education and financial literacy among young girls.
The 2025 International Women’s Day programme was a resounding success, proving that strategic partnerships between institutions like NDLEA, Akin Ogunbiyi Foundation, and Event Diary Lifestyle can drive meaningful change.
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