The Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation (CEF) and the Ornaments of Grace and Virtues Initiative (OGAV) officially launched the 2024 Girls’ Leadership & Mentoring (GLAM) Summer Camp in Lagos. This year marked the 11th edition of the camp, which commenced on Monday at Government Senior Secondary School, Agege.
CEF, the philanthropic arm of Cakasa Nigeria Company Limited, aims to empower young girls through education and leadership training. Mr. Barnabas Olise, the Managing Director of Cakasa Nigeria, expressed his confidence in the camp’s potential to enhance the girls’ capabilities and equip them to face life’s challenges successfully. Represented by Mrs. Helen Egbe, CEF’s Executive Director, Olise stated:
“At Cakasa Nigeria Company Limited, we believe in the power of education and the potential of our youth. This camp is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. We are honoured to partner with OGAV, an organization that shares our vision of empowering young girls to achieve greatness.”
He emphasized that the camp is not merely an event, but a transformative journey of self-discovery, learning, and growth. Participants will engage in various activities designed to boost their confidence, develop their skills, and inspire them to dream big. They will also have the opportunity to learn from accomplished mentors and build meaningful friendships.
Referencing Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai, Olise encouraged the girls to harness their education and skills to enact change in the world. He urged the attendees to embrace this opportunity wholeheartedly:
“To the young ladies here today, your dreams, aspirations, and hard work will shape the Nigeria of tomorrow. Embrace this opportunity with open hearts and minds. Learn, grow, and let your light shine brightly.”
In closing, Olise expressed his gratitude to the teams at OGAV and CEF for their unwavering dedication to empowering young girls, remarking:
“Let this camp be a stepping stone to greater achievements and a brighter future. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. This camp is your first step towards a future filled with endless possibilities. As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ Use this opportunity to arm yourselves with knowledge, confidence, and determination.”
Mrs. Egbe also highlighted that this initiative is part of OGAV and CEF’s long-standing commitment to improving the welfare of the girl child. She encouraged the participants to be diligent in their pursuits to make a positive impact in society.
OGAV’s CEO, Olubusola Kolade, motivated the girls to seize the unique opportunities presented by the camp, urging them to overcome any fears they may have in a male-dominated society:
“Do not be afraid or intimidated by your male counterparts. You can be whatever you set your hearts on becoming.”
The event was attended by officials from the Lagos State Ministries of Education and Youth and Social Development, members of the Lions Club, and over 1,000 pupils. The Permanent Secretary of Education District 1, Prince Adeboye Bashir Adebowale, commended CEF and OGAV for continuing the GLAM initiative despite economic challenges. He encouraged the girls to actively engage with the camp facilitators to maximize their learning experience:
“I am amazed at the number of participants this year. Despite the daunting economy, the number of pupils is more than last year’s. You are empowering future generations,” Adebowale said.
Mrs. Onipede Adeshola, representing the Lagos Ministry of Youth and Sports, provided crucial advice to the girls on self-protection and awareness, highlighting the importance of speaking out against abuse:
“Sexual and physical abuse is on the rise. If you hear of any such abuse, or experience it, do not keep quiet. We have social workers in all six districts in Lagos State who are there for you. Talk to your counselors in school, who will get back to the social workers. When you see something, say something.”
The camp also featured a motivational speech from Bakare Adeola Zainab, a 2019 beneficiary of the CEF Two-Tier scholarship. Zainab, now the Vice-President of the Philosophy Department at Lagos State University, encouraged the pupils with her address titled “I Am A Girl Child, I’m Not A Mistake,” emphasizing that they are the architects of their destiny:
“I was once a pupil like you, and I know how this camp helped me find myself. As a scholarship beneficiary, I understand the financial ease this has brought to my family. Programs like this motivate the girl child to recognize her importance to society. Take charge wherever you find yourselves and make a difference.”
The GLAM Summer Camp stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for young girls, paving the way for future leaders who will undoubtedly shape a brighter Nigeria.
