By Maxim Uzoatu
Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation (CEF) and the Ornaments of Grace and Virtues Initiative (OGAV) have kicked off the 2024 Girl’s Leadership & Mentoring (GLAM) Summer Camp in Lagos.
GLAM, the 11th edition in the series, got underway on Monday at Government Senior Secondary School, Agege, Lagos.
CEF is the foundation arm of Cakasa Nigeria Company Limited and the firm’s Managing Director Mr. Barnabas Olise, expressed confidence that the camp – a collaboration between OGAV and CEF – would strengthen the girls’ potential to overcome life’s challenges and excel.
Olise, represented by CEF’s Executive Director, Mrs. Helen Egbe, said: “At Cakasa Nigeria Company Limited, we believe in the power of education and the potential of our youth. This camp is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. We are honoured to partner with OGAV, an organization that shares our vision of empowering young girls to achieve greatness.
“This camp is not just an event; it is a journey of self-discovery, learning, and growth. Over the next few days, you will engage in activities designed to build your confidence, enhance your skills, and inspire you to dream big. You will have the opportunity to learn from accomplished mentors, make new friends, and explore new horizons.”
Referencing Pakistani education activist, Malala Yousafzai, he charged Nigerian girls to believe in their ability to change the world through education and skill acquisition.
Olise said: “To the young ladies here today, your dreams, aspirations, and hard work will shape the Nigeria of tomorrow. Embrace this opportunity with open hearts and minds. Learn, grow, and let your light shine brightly.”
The MD thanked the OGAV and CEF teams for their passion for empowering young girls is truly inspiring and for making the camp a reality.
Olise added: “In closing, I encourage each one of you to make the most of this experience. Let it be a stepping stone to greater achievements and a brighter future. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. This camp is your first step towards a future filled with endless possibilities.
“As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Use this opportunity to arm yourselves with knowledge, confidence, and determination.”
Mrs. Egbe, speaking in her own right, then explained that this was only the latest in a long list of contributions to the girl child’s welfare from OGAV and CEF. She urged the girls to be diligent, saying it would help them to make a difference in society.
OGAV’s CEO, Olubusola Kolade, charged the girls to take advantage of the unique opportunity the camp represents to begin the journey to greatness.
She urged them not to be afraid or intimidated by their male counterparts, saying they could be whatever they set their hearts on becoming.
Guests and participants at the event included officials of the Lagos State Ministries of Education; Youth and Social Development, Lions Club and over 1,000 pupils.
The Permanent Secretary of Education District 1, Prince Adeboye Bashir Adebowale, thanked CEF and OGAV for continuing with GLAM despite the challenging economy.
He urged the girls to cooperate with the camp facilitators and soak in the lessons.
“I represented my chairman here last year and I am amazed at the number of participants this year. Despite the daunting economy, the number of pupils is more than last year’s. You are empowering the future generations,” Adebowale said.
Mrs Onipede Adeshola, who represented the Lagos Ministry of Youth and Sports, sensitised the girls on how to protect themselves from persons seeking to exploit them.
“Sexual and physical abuse is mostly on the rise now. We all know what is happening. If you hear of any such abuse, or you experience such, do not keep quiet. We have social workers in all six districts in Lagos State who are there for you. Talk to tour counsellors in school, who will get back to the social workers. When you see something, say something,” Adeshola said.
A 2019 beneficiary of the CEF Two-Tier scholarship, Bakare Adeola Zainab, motivated the pupils with her speech ‘I Am A Girl Child, I’m Not A Mistake’, saying they were architects of their destiny.
Zainab, who is the Vice-President of the Philosophy Department at the Lagos State University, said “I was once a pupil like them, and I know how the camp helped me to find myself. I am a scholarship beneficiary and know the financial ease this has brought to my parents. This kind of programme is where the girl-child is motivated to see their importance to society.”
She encouraged them to take charge wherever they find themselves and make a difference as a girl child.