Girl Child Initiative Outreach/Imo state Water and Sewerage Corporation Celebrate International Day of the Girl Child

By Grace Ofurum…

In honor of this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, Girl Child Initiative Outreach in collaboration with the Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation (ISWSC), held a one day event for secondary school girls drawn from various schools across the state which took place last weekend at the ISWSC premesis in Owerri.

The two Organisations underscored the importance of nurturing and protecting girls to help them achieve their dreams of becoming future mothers who can positively impact both their families and society.

In his opening address, Mr. Kaycee De Evangelist, Founder of the Girl Child Initiative Outreach, highlighted the organization’s commitment to recognizing the strength, resilience, and potential of girls while addressing the challenges they face. He emphasized the group’s mission to create an environment that promotes growth, empowerment, and leadership. This year’s theme, “Good Girl Child Today, Better Mother Tomorrow,” aligns with the organization’s goals of advancing girls’ education, empowerment, and overall well-being.

The Commissioner for Youths and Talent Hunt, Dr Emeka Ukaegbu Mandela in his speech at the event acknowledged the critical role of girls in society and encouraged participants to be role models who would help create a better future free of social vices. He stressed the need to raise and guide girls in order to reduce crimes, cultism, and other societal ills.

Also speaking, Barr Lulu Njoku, represented by Deacon Chukwukere Chibueze, delivered a keynote address on self-development, urging the girls to remain hardworking and focused on achieving their goals. He emphasized that success does not discriminate by gender, encouraging girls to confidently pursue their dreams in various fields.

Speaking on the theme, “Water: The Lifeline for Girl Child Development,” Engr. Peter Chukwuma, Managing Director of ISWSC, emphasized the vital role water plays in everyday life, particularly in the development of the girl child. He pointed out that many challenges girls face in health, education, and empowerment are linked to inadequate water supply.

Mr. Cornel Ekeh, Program Officer of Global Health Awareness Research Foundation (GHARF), urged parents and stakeholders to continue standing with girls, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights protected. He called for an end to gender-based violence, harmful traditional practices, and inequalities against girls, advocating for a world where every girl can flourish.

Other speakers, including Hon. Chinwendu Edemobi Amber (represented by Mr. Peter Dibia) and Mrs. Jennifer Chinenyenwa Emma, encouraged the girls to value themselves and remain focused on achieving their goals. Mrs. Emma highlighted the importance of not just having a vision but taking actionable steps toward realizing it.

The event also featured workshops, mentorship sessions, an open forum, panel discussions, and the presentation of awards and certificates to participants and deserving individuals.