The Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) an NGO, says no career path is irrelevant for females as it empowers over 400 school girls on leadership programmes.
The JAN Executive Director, Mrs Foluso Gbadamosi, made the disclosure in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.
The programme which was just recently concluded across the federation according to her, is in partnership with Union Bank.
“No fewer than 16 schools participated in the three-day Leadership, Empowerment, Achievement and Development(LEAD) camp program, organised for young secondary school girls across the nation,” she said.
She added that the programme was aimed at empowering young girls with relevant entrepreneurial and career skills needed for the future.
“The 16 schools that participated were Seed of Life College, Oyo; Topfield College, Lagos; Redeemer’s International Secondary School, Lagos; Queens School, Enugu; Kano Capital Girls School; Hope High Academy Zawan, Plateau.
“Others were Rosa Mystical High School Agulu, Anambra; Faith Baptist College, Rivers; Bedrock International School, Mararaba; Community Secondary School Asokoro, FCT; Taidob College, Ogun, Baptist Girls College, Ogun; Merit International School, Ondo.
“The remaining schools included Faith Academy, Kaduna; Christian Secondary Commercial School, Akwa-Ibom and Adiahaobong Secondary Commercial School, Akwa-Ibom,” she said.
While saying that the camp proved to be another transformative experience for the over 400 young minds nationwide, Gbadamosi added that JAN firmly believed that leadership had no gender boundaries.
“We are dedicated to breaking the barriers that have held girls back for far too long.
“During the programme, we nurtured the courage of these young girls, instilled essential leadership skills, expanded their networks, and, most importantly, showed them that no career path is gender-specific or irrelevant.
“We are confident that the positive impact of the LEAD camp programme will resonate for years to come, producing change-makers ready to shape the future of Nigeria and the world.
“Our commitment to expanding and strengthening the JAN Nigeria LEAD camp programme across the country remains unwavering as we aim to impact even more young girls,’” she said.
She said the three-day camp featured interactive workshops, panel sessions, and skill-building activities to equip the participants with valuable leadership skills.
“This year’s LEAD camp was tailored toward inspiring and empowering young girls with relevant leadership, entrepreneurial and career development skills they need to be high-achieving leaders.
“Throughout the camp, the girls were coached by experienced mentors who led them through developing their presentations to enhance their leadership skills further.
“A panel of judges evaluated their presentations on the final day, and the winners won different prizes.
“This year’s LEAD camp occurred in Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, and the FCT,” she said.
She expressed deep gratitude to Union bank for its consistent support, which had made the LEAD camp vision a reality.
“Together, we empower the next generation of leaders to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all,” she added.
Miss Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Union bank, said the programme marked the ninth year of partnership with JAN on LEAD camp.
“We have impacted thousands of girls in these nine years. Through LEAD camp, Union bank continues to empower young women to be high-achieving leaders well-prepared for the future of work and entrepreneurship.
“Glass ceilings are easier to shatter when we know people are supporting us, and the girls who participate in the LEAD camp programme benefit from exposure to phenomenal Nigerian women.
“This partnership aligns with our commitment to enabling success for women and girls, as is our contribution to supporting Nigeria to achieve SDG 5 – Gender Equality,” she said
One of the school girls, Chiamaka Moses from Topfield secondary school, said her experience was an unforgettable one.
“I learned about emotional intelligence and self-awareness, working with others, managing my temper, and what triggers my emotions.
“ I was also made aware that etiquette is a soft skill rather than a personality trait and that there is a need to improve soft skills.
“These skills are required to position me for employment opportunities successfully. I am grateful to JAN for this opportunity, which I intend to utilise,” she said.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria
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