No fewer than 250 girls from the Alimosho Grammar School Complex, in Ipaja area of Lagos State have been digitally empowered by the Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPs), Lagos State Chapter, as part of activities to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the Girl-Child.
The event, themed, “Girls’ Vision for the Future: Embracing the Digital Generation, aimed to empower the girls from over schools by encouraging them to embrace technology, leadership roles, and self-confidence in this ever-evolving digital landscape.
Pharm. (Mrs) Shakirat Adeosun, director of pharmaceutical services, Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the importance of digital literacy and technological skills in shaping the future of the girl-child. She highlighted how digital tools have become central to every profession, from healthcare to the arts. “Whether you aspire to be a pharmacist, an engineer, or a business leader, technology will be integral to your success,” she stated. She urged the girls to participate in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programmes, encouraging them to attend coding boot camps, science fairs, and mentorship initiatives to build their confidence. Technology is not just a tool, she stressed, noting that it is the driving force that connects humans, helps them innovate, and solves tomorrow’s problems.”
Also speaking at the programme, Pharm. (Mrs) Olufunmilayo Bankole, permanent secretary, Lagos State Health District 1, who was the chairman of the occasion, further emphasised the importance of girls having equal access to education and technology. She charged the girls to be bold and strive for excellence. “Believe in yourself, and no matter the obstacles, you can achieve greatness,” she advised. Bankole also highlighted the imperative role of technology in unlocking the potential of young girls, stating, when girls have access to the technological resources available, they can harness creativity and intelligence to pursue their passions.
Addressing the importance of collaboration in achieving a vision for the future, Pharm. (Mrs) Foluke Akinniranye emphasised that girls need both internal and external support to reach their full potential. “Girls need allies, people who believe in them and help them achieve their dreams,” she said. She elaborated on the idea of intrinsic empowerment, which is the confidence girls must cultivate within themselves, and extrinsic empowerment, which includes support from mentors, parents, and communities. “Breaking gender stereotypes and taking on leadership roles is crucial. Collaboration and support from society will help you get there,” she advised.
In an interview with Pharm. (Dr) Afusat Adesina, chairman of ALPs, Lagos Chapter, at the programme, she called for equality in education and end to the barriers that hold girls back from pursuing their dreams. There is no difference between a girl and a boy, she insisted, saying that they should be given equal opportunities to learn and grow.
She reiterated the importance of ensuring that girls in underserved communities have access to quality education, noting that when a girl is educated, the entire community benefits. She also stressed the need for cultural shifts, stating, “We must challenge the norms that limit the girl child. When girls are supported, the nation thrives.”
For Pharm. (Mrs) Olufunmilayo Agbeniyi, chairman of the planning committee, the outreach and its theme was very apt, as the girl-child needs all the motivation to break the glass ceiling limitation. She expressed the association’s unwavering belief in the potential of the girl-child, which explained their long-standing dedication to empowering girls
“We know that you girls have a bright future filled with hope and big possibilities. However, there are distractions and societal contests about whether girls should take certain positions, but let me tell you, what a boy or a man can do, a girl can do better.” Agbeniyi reminded the girls that the International Day of the Girl Child, recognised by the United Nations in 2011, is a testament to the global community’s commitment to acknowledging the power and efficiency of girls in shaping the future. She asserted that girls have the power to turn nations around for good, urging the students to recognise their potential and start making a difference in their communities now.
The students were deeply inspired by the event as they expressed their appreciation and inspiration gathered from the event. One of the girls, Echibe Precious, of State Comprehensive Junior College, Alimosho, reflected on the lessons learned, saying, “I learned that a girl-child should always determine what to achieve in life, be brave and that we are special.”
Another participant, Odunsi Moranugba, expressed her aspirations, saying, “I wish I could be president or governor in the future. And I have learnt that the future starts now.”
Pharm. Adeosun cited examples of young Nigerian women who have made significant technological breakthroughs, including Temitope Okusomo, who developed an app to help farmers at age 17, and Tomisi Okunubi, who built a locator app for lost children at just 12. “These girls are proof that with the right support and access to technology, you can achieve great things,” Adeosun remarked, motivating the young girls to envision themselves as future leaders and innovators in the digital world.
Pharm. Bankole, also reinforced the event’s core message, reminding the girls of their limitless potential in the digital age, by leveraging technology as at tool, to drive their vision and passion for the future.
The commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, organised by Lagos ALPs, successfully showcased the importance of empowering young girls through education, technology, and collaborative support, ensuring that the girl child is well-positioned to thrive in a rapidly changing digital world.
Students from 13 schools were in attendance at the programme, including Alimosho Junior Grammar School; Alimosho Senior Grammar School; State Senior High School, Alimosho; State Junior High School, Alimosho. State Senior College, Alimosho; State Comprehensive Junior College, Alimosho; Community Junior Grammar School, Ipaja; Ipaja Junior College, Alimosho; Community Senior Grammar School, Alimosho; Jakande Estate, Comprehensive, Senior College, Alimosho; Abesan Senior High School, Alimosho; Abesan Comprehensive Junior High School, Alimosho; and Abesan Junior High School, Alimosho.
