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By Vivian Emoni
The African Girl Guide (AGG) has urged for increased investment in young women’s leadership, saying mentorship, strategic support and opportunities are crucial to raising confident and ethical future female leaders.
Dr Jindu Elueze, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the AGG, made the remark while marking the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, in a virtual meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.
Elueze commended the WID theme tagged, “Give To Gain”, saying that progress for women and girls requires deliberate actions and sustained support.
‘’Giving mentorship produces confident leaders, while sharing knowledge helps young women become empowered decision-makers capable of contributing meaningfully to society and national development, ‘’ he said.
He added that providing visibility and opportunities for women would improve representation and drive transformation across institutions, communities and leadership spaces.
Elueze said that the activation of 406 founding cohort members demonstrated commitment to providing structure, support, access and belief in the capacity of young women.
“406 refers to the number of young female corps members enrolled in a special mentorship programme.
‘’406 Founding Cohort” is to foster ethical leadership, financial intelligence, and governance skills among young women,’’ he said.
Elueze noted that investing in young women multiplied integrity, leadership, innovation and strengthened national development through a new generation of responsible leaders.
He described the “Give To Gain” campaign as a global call to challenge stereotypes, question bias, amplify women’s voices and promote knowledge sharing and solidarity.
He urged young women to embrace excellence, integrity and leadership, adding that giving back to society would bring confidence, opportunity and lasting impact.
Elueze emphasised that ‘’when women thrive, societies progress,’’ noting that empowering women remains vital to inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Hajia Mariam Shaibu, Deputy Director, Child Development, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, said that women should be prioritised for stronger empowerment.
Shaibu said that part of the ministry’s mandate was to promote women’s development, gender equality, and the welfare of children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
She added that the ministry remained committed to ensuring that its mandate was achieved.
“The ministry is ready to partner with the AGG to strengthening and advancing programmes that will support women, girls and vulnerable groups; we looks forward to hearing the voices and visions of the girl child,” she said.
She commended the AGG for its efforts to ensure that the programme was successful.
Mrs Aisha Nabeena, Assistant Director, Public Communication, National Orientation Agency, described the initiative as a platform for growth, courage and transformation.
Nabeena urged the participants to strengthen their voices, deepen their vision and lead with confidence, adding that the journey ahead offers many opportunities for leadership, personal development and positive impact.
She encouraged the young leaders to pursue their goals boldly and support others in their progress, while thanking the participants and organisers for their commitment to empowering young female leaders. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka
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