Foundation Charges privilege Nigerians to invest in girls from rural communities 

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

A Foundation, “Girl Leading Africa” has called on Nigerians on privileged positions to invest in girls especially those from rural communities for a better society 

The charge was given by the Executive Director/ founder Girls  Leading Africa, Giftie Umo during the graduation ceremony of 24 girls from  ages 16 – 25 who were trained on Skills acquisition in Akpap-Okoyong in Odukpani local government areas of cross river state yesterday.

The foundation according to the coordinator Ms Nkoyo Effiong has been in existence for more than four years now.

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Ms Effiong maintained that these girls are between the ages of 16 and 25 are from rural communities who did not have the privilege of going to school to acquire formal education but believed that they can still be used to themselves and the the society in general 

According to the founder,”Today is a celebration and a declaration that girls from rural communities, who are often written off and counted out are rising; not only are they rising, they are leading”.

“To all our girls, our graduating class of 2025, you stand today as proof that when a girl is empowered, she does not just change her life, she transforms her family, village, community and nation”. 

“You came in with curiosity and courage; and today you are walking out equipped with skills, purpose and the fire to lead. This year’s theme: “Empowered to lead, equipped to thrive” is not just a slogan. It is your lead experience. You have been taught, discipled, mentored, challenged, stretched and loved into excellence. Now, it is your turn to take this light into every place you find yourself”. 

 “I charge you, do not stop investing in these girls. Do not stop mentoring, do not stop encouraging, continue to speak up for policies that support them locally, in the State and national. Every girl here today has the potential to succeed. So, let this graduation be a reminder that girls in rural communities are not liabilities”. 

“They are the backbone of our future economies, they are our next innovators, they are our next entrepreneurs and they are our change makers. If truly we want sustainable development, then we must put girls in rural communities and other places hard to reach at the centre of our investments”.

“To our graduating class of 2025, you know that you are not just graduates. You are part of the bigger “Girls Leading Africa” family. You are nation builders, culture shapers, you are leaders. Wherever you go from here, go with the confidence that you are not alone. You carry the spirit of Girls Leading Africa with you and through you we will continue to shine the light in the path for others to follow”

“Remember this and wear it like a barge of honour, you are not defined by your circumstances, by your background, by your past or present. You are defined by your choices and today you have chosen greatness”, she stated.