The 2025 International Women’s Day celebration, organized by Event Diary Lifestyle, was a remarkable event dedicated to inspiring, educating, and empowering young girls through knowledge, innovation, and financial literacy. Held at Top Teez Academy, Ojodu Abiodun, the event brought together 200 students from Top Teez Academy, Highscope School, and Real Prudent Height Academy for a day filled with learning and life-changing opportunities.
In her welcome address, Princess Adeola Shittu, the convener of the Young Girls in School Initiative, reaffirmed the program’s mission to equip young girls with education, skills acquisition, and digital literacy.
“This initiative is growing stronger each year. Our goal is to ensure young girls have the knowledge, confidence, and resources to break barriers and excel in all fields, especially in technology, finance and leadership,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to NDLEA, Akin Ogunbiyi Foundation, Access Holdings PLC, and Mutual Benefits Assurance PLC for their support in making the event a success.
Delivering the keynote speech, Kofoworola Belo-Osagie emphasized the crucial role of education, innovation, and financial literacy in shaping the future of young girls. She highlighted challenges such as poverty, early marriage, and limited access to education while encouraging the girls to embrace technology for learning, skill development, and leadership.
“Competence, confidence, and courage are essential to competing in today’s world. Education and digital literacy will position you as future leaders and change-makers,” she urged.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) led an educational session on substance abuse and peer pressure, delivered by Mrs. Dick Muliat Adunni. She warned about the dangers of drug use and encouraged students to make informed, responsible choices for a brighter future.
A distinguished panel shared valuable insights to empower and educate the girls:
Mrs. Eunice Okoye (Legal Practitioner & Human Rights Advocate) – “Empowering Young Girls: Understanding Their Rights and Protecting Their Future.”
Comrade Ifeanyi A. Chukwu (Maritime Administrator & Media Consultant) – “The Role of Media and Maritime Opportunities in Shaping the Future for Young Girls.”
Amina Omoike (Media Practitioner) – “The Power of Media and Technology in Shaping the Future for Young Girls.”
DSP David Adeboye (Nigeria Police Force, Security Expert) – “The Role of Security and Discipline in a Digital World: Keeping Young Girls Safe Online and Offline.”
A major highlight of the event was the collaborative effort between Access Holdings PLC and Event Diary Lifestyle to empower six outstanding students by opening bank accounts for them. Each student received a cash prize, encouraging early financial literacy and responsible money management.
Additionally, through the Akin Ogunbiyi Foundation, one lucky student won the Mutual Benefits Assurance PLC Children Education Plan, ensuring structured savings for her future education.
Competition Winners
Word Puzzle Game Competition:
1st Place: Anabor Omuwa (Top Teez Academy)
2nd Place: Jacob Chinaza (Highscope School)
3rd Place: Eshiet Grace (Top Teez Academy)
Art & Painting Competition:
1st Place: Aliu Khadijat Favour (Top Teez Academy)
2nd Place: Olusegun Favour (Highscope School)
3rd Place: Oke Tioluwaniyin (Highscope School)
4th Place: Napoleon Esther (Real Prudent Height Academy)
Raffle Draw Winner:
Eshiet Grace (Top Teez Academy) – Won the Mutual Benefits Assurance PLC Children Education Plan.
Students showcased talent and creativity through cultural performances representing Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Calabar traditions. These performances added color and excitement to the event, highlighting Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Ohallem Nneka Vivian, the PTA Chairperson, commended the organizers and sponsors for their dedication to empowering young girls. She specifically recognized Access Bank and Mutual Benefits Assurance PLC for their contributions to financial literacy and education.
The 2025 International Women’s Day celebration proved that strategic partnerships between institutions like NDLEA, Akin Ogunbiyi Foundation, and Event Diary Lifestyle can drive meaningful change in young girls’ lives.
As the event concluded, it was evident that the girls left not only inspired but also equipped with knowledge, resources, and opportunities to shape their futures.
