NGOs garner support for 2023 Girl’s Leadership/Mentoring Summer Camp in Lagos

The Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation (CEF) has joined forces with the Ornaments of Grace and Virtues Initiative (OGAV) to launch the 2023 Girls Leadership & Mentoring (GLAM) Summer Camp in Lagos State.

Our correspondent reports that the year 2023 programme, holding at the Government Senior Girls College Agege, marks the 6th edition of the camp.

The theme of the programme is: “I’m a Girl: Career Exploration with Health & Wellness”.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 6th edition of GLAM and the 10th anniversary of OGAV, Mr Barnabas Olise, the Managing Director/CEO of Cakasa Nigeria Company Limited (CNC), represented by the Executive Director, CEF, Mrs Helen Egbe, expressed joy at the significant milestone.

He emphasised the CNC’s commitment to empowering young girls from low-income families in Education District I, in Agege, Lagos State.

Mrs Busola Kolade, the President and Founder of OGAV, praised Olise for the unwavering dedication and vision in empowering the girls to become independent, responsible, and influential young women who positively impact society.

The CEO quoted Eleanor Roosevelt, as having said that: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent”, highlighting the importance of empowering girls to overcome challenges and believe in themselves.

Olise acknowledged the transformative power of education and mentorship, lauding the collaboration between OGAV and CEF.

He mentioned that through the partnership, 10 outstanding girls from previous OGAV camps received scholarships through CEF, enabling them to pursue their dreams at various Nigerian universities.

Olise emphasised that education extended beyond the classroom, and that initiatives like the Summer GLAM Camp equipped girls with essential academic, social, and emotional skills for success.

He commended OGAV’s commitment to providing a safe environment for the girls during their summer holidays.

Addressing the issue of access to basic hygiene products hindering girls’ education, Olise recognised OGAV’s efforts in providing reusable sanitary pads to ensure proper menstrual hygiene maintenance.

“This support not only promotes the girls’ health and well-being but also enabled them to attend school without disruptions.

“As part of its corporate social responsibility, Cakasa Nigeria Company through CEF reaffirmed its commitment to empowering girls through education and leadership,” he added.

Olise also expressed delight in CEF’s collaboration and eagerness to support the 2023 Summer GLAM Camp, aiming to create lasting change within the entire school community in Education District I, Agege, Lagos State.

Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), in her goodwill message, congratulated the Founder of OGAV, Mrs Busola Kolade, for her contributions to nation-building through the empowerment of the girl-child.

Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the importance of education imbued with social and emotional skills, enabling the rise of confident and independent women.

The Founder and Executive Director of OGAV, Mrs Olubusola Kolade, encouraged the students to be change agents in society, emphasising the enriching experiences offered by the summer camp in a safe environment.

Our correspondent reports that the 2023 Summer Camp, hosting 1,000 girls from 15 different schools, will run from July 24 to Aug. 18, 2023.