A non-governmental organisation(NGO), African Girl’s Guide (AGG), has trained 37 women in a 12-week mentorship and leadership programme for national development.

The Founder, Jindu Elueze, made the disclosure at the graduation and award ceremony of the leadership programme, organised by the NGO, on Sunday in Abuja.

Mr Elueze, who is also the founder of another NGO, Paw Salvation, said that the organisation was expanding its women empowerment initiative to Nigeria and African Girl Guide .

He said that the graduates demonstrated commitment, learning and personal growth during the 12-week initiative.

“Paw Salvation and African Girl Guide were being established simultaneously in Ghana and Nigeria to expand the empowerment mission, ‘’ he stated.

He said his journey to the U.S. inspired him to empower young African women through mentorship and leadership.

The founder said that the initiative started by feeding homeless pets and their families before growing into a recognised movement in Chicago, U.S.

According to him, despite the recognition received in America, he remains focused on giving back to the continent that raised him.

He urged the graduates and about 10 beneficiaries, who received outstanding awards, to see the initiative as the beginning of greater opportunities and service to Africa.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr Binyerem Ukaire, commended the organisation for initiating and sustaining programmes focused on leadership, mentorship, employability, entrepreneurship and personal development.

Mr Ukaire was represented by Aisha Dabena of the ministry.

He said that the programmes were crucial to preparing young Nigerians, particularly women, to contribute meaningfully to national development through acquired knowledge, confidence and skills.

He noted that the successful completion of the programme demonstrated that young women could become effective leaders when provided with opportunities, guidance, exposure and commitment.

He urged the graduating participants to view the graduation as the beginning of greater responsibility, encouraging them to embrace continuous learning, innovation and ethical leadership.

The permanent secretary commended the founder, management, mentors, facilitators and partners for nurturing young women and creating platforms for their personal and professional development.

He said the ministry would strengthen collaboration with the organisation in promoting responsible citizenship, youth development and inclusive participation.

Also, the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  Olanipekun Olukoyede, urged the beneficiaries to lead with purpose, serve others and uphold integrity.

Mr Olukoyede added that Nigeria needed young people committed to positive change.

He was represented the Head, Enlightenment and Re-orientation Department, Aisha Mohammed. 

‘’Law enforcement alone cannot curb corruption, hence, the need for proper upbringing and integrity training to discourage fraud and other vices, ‘’ he said.

Also, Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Binta Bello, said the agency was committed to protecting human dignity.

Ms Bello said also that it was committed to preventing women and girls from being trafficked, exploited or abused.

The director-general was represented by the agency’s Director, Public Enlightenment, Kehinde Akomolafe.

She urged the graduates to know their rights, guard their dreams and verify opportunities, particularly those received through social media, to avoid trafficking and exploitation.

Also, the Director-General, National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said leadership was not about wielding authority, but creating positive change, doing what was right and inspiring others.

Mr Issa-Onilu urged the graduates to be trustworthy, courageous, responsible and patriotic and emphasised the need to represent Nigeria positively and uphold values that promote national development.

He was represented by the Deputy Director, Department of Abuse Rights and Narcotics of the agency, Margaret Yenami. 

One of the beneficiaries of the leadership programme, Ezechukwu Chidinma, expressed excitement and gratitude for being a partaker, while expressing hope to do more for her community.

(NAN)