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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.

Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation (CEF), under the auspices of Unit 70 Cakasa Special Marshal RS 2.16 Ikeja Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), inducted 75 pupils from three primary schools in Lagos State into Cakasa Road Safety Clubs on Thursday. This initiative aims to instil road safety consciousness in young minds. Twenty-five pupils each were selected from Alaba Primary School, Estate Primary School, and Papa Ajao Primary School all in Mushin LGA. The induction ceremony highlighted the importance of road safety education and the role of young ambassadors in promoting safety. Mr. Patrick Davou, the State Sector Commander of FRSC, represented by Chief Route Commander Mr. Paul Abiti, emphasized the significance of this initiative. “As road safety corps members in primary schools, you are ambassadors for FRSC, and we appreciate Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation for the opportunity to catch them young,” he said. He urged the pupils to avoid playing on the road and to concentrate while commuting to and from school. Mr. Olusegun Akintan, Lagos State Coordinator of Special Marshals, underscored the importance of the regalia given to the pupils, describing it as a symbol of authority. He encouraged them to embrace their new status and the responsibility it entails. “This is a memorable day. Cakasa has done it again, and we appreciate their efforts. The programme is ‘catch them young’. It is a serious business, and you should take it so,” Akintan remarked. Mr. Barnabas Olise, Managing Director of Cakasa Nigeria Ltd., represented by Mr. Martins Agbetuyi, Assistant General Manager of Quality Health and Safety Environment Department, Cakasa, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative. “Our gathering today is to ensure a safer future for all road users. The alarming statistics of road accidents involving children is a reminder that we must act now,” Olise stated. He stressed the importance of education and awareness, noting that engaging activities and continuous learning are pivotal in embedding a deep understanding of road safety rules among the children. Mr. Nsikak Isonguyo, Coordinator of Unit 70, Cakasa Special Marshal, emphasised the long-term benefits of the induction. “As a rule of engagement for the induction of 25 pupils in each of the schools, it is expected and imperative that every child must have road safety consciousness,” he said. Isonguyo encouraged the pupils to be active members of their clubs and to serve as good ambassadors of the special marshal. This is the second induction programme. The first induction, held in 2022, saw the participation of New City Primary School, Palm Avenue Primary School, and Oduduwa Primary School, all located in Mushin LGA.

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.