Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation (CEF) and the Ornaments of Grace and Virtues Initiative (OGAV) have kicked off the 2023 Girl’s Leadership & Mentoring (GLAM) Summer Camp in Lagos. OGAV and CEF are hosting the 6th edition of the camp with the theme “I’M A Girl: Carrier Exploration with Health & Wellness.”
At the commencement 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, announced that the 2023 Camp marks a significant milestone in CNC’s commitment to nurturing and empowering young girls from low-income families in Education District I, Agege, Lagos State.
Mr. Olise expressed his sincere appreciation to Mrs. Busola Kolade, the President and Founder of OGAV, for her unwavering dedication and vision in creating an organisation that empowers girls to become independent, responsible, and influential young women who positively impact society.
“I am proud to stand here today on behalf of Cakasa Nigeria Company and its sister entity, Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation (CEF), which has been collaborating with OGAV in the empowerment of schoolgirls. Over the years, we have witnessed the transformative power of education and mentorship in the lives of these young girls, and we are honoured to be part of their journey,” said Olise.
The CEO quoted Eleanor Roosevelt, stating, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” He emphasised that through initiatives like the Summer GLAM Camp, OGAV is empowering young girls to overcome challenges, break barriers, and believe in themselves. He revealed that 10 girls who had participated in previous editions of the camp were enjoying scholarships offered by CEF up to university level.
Olise highlighted the importance of recognising that education goes beyond the classroom and that learning beyond the classroom initiative is a powerful way to equip girls with the necessary academic, social, and emotional skills for success.
Moreover, he praised OGAV’s commitment to providing a safe environment for the girls during their summer holidays, fostering a nurturing space for them to flourish. However, he acknowledged the hurdles to overcome, such as the lack of access to basic hygiene products hindering girls from fully participating in their education. In response, OGAV is providing reusable sanitary pads to ensure proper menstrual hygiene maintenance and support their health and well-being, enabling them to attend school without disruption.
Olise reaffirmed Cakasa Nigeria Company’s commitment through CEF to empower girls through education and leadership as part of their corporate social responsibility, aiming to create a more equitable future. He expressed delight at CEF’s constant collaboration and eagerness to support the Summer GLAM Camp, which will impact the girls and create lasting change within the entire school community in Education District I, Agege, Lagos State.
In her goodwill message, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), represented by the Head of NIDCOM, Lagos, Mr. Oladipupo Odebowale, congratulated the Founder of OGAV, Mrs. Kolade, for her work in nation-building through the empowerment of the girl-child, not only in academic excellence but also in social and emotional skills. She emphasised that the education of the girl-child is crucial for reducing illiteracy, inequality, and poverty and urged the students to be confident and pursue their dreams diligently.
Mrs. Kolade welcomed the students and encouraged them to be change agents in society. She emphasised that the Summer Camp provides structured opportunities for enriching experiences in a safe environment, countering the risk of engaging in unsafe activities during the summer holidays, particularly for economically disadvantaged students.
The 2023 Summer Camp will host 1000 girls from 15 different schools and run from July 24 to August 18.
The camp was declared open by the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District 1, Mr. Adebowale Adeoye Bashir, represented by Director, Co-Curricular Science & Technology, Education District 1, Mrs. Oluwakemi Oyegbile.