By Hafsah Tilde
The Director-General of Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, has urged girls to pursue their aspirations regardless of age, gender or background.
Benjamins-Laniyi gave the charge while interacting with students of Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), Dutse, during a one-day Girls Leadership and Empowerment Programme.
The programme, organised by Benjamins-Laniyi in collaboration with Chloe Ikpeme, in Abuja, is themed, “Her Voice, Her Future: Same Girl, Bigger Dreams, Louder Voice.”
Benjamins-Laniyi told the students that no girl should allow her age, gender or background to limit her aspirations, emphasising the importance of confidence and self-belief.
“Every girl’s voice matters, like Aisha’s. Her dreams are valid.
“And her future must never be limited by her age, gender or circumstances,” she said.
She described leadership as a responsibility that begins early, commending 14-year-old Ikpeme, who hosted the event, for demonstrating confidence and composure.
“At 14, you step forward to give voice to other voices. You remind us that leadership does not begin with age or position. It begins when a young person discovers her voice,” the D-G said.
Benjamins-Laniyi also recounted the 33-year history of the centre, which she said was founded by the late Dr Maryam Babangida through the “Better Life for Rural Women” initiative.
She said the initiative was established to advance the wellbeing and empowerment of women and girls as contributors to national development.
The D-G shared her personal journey from serving as a corps member at the centre 31 years ago to becoming its 16th Director-General.
She urged the girls never to despise their beginnings, emphasising that humble beginnings should not prevent them from pursuing ambitious goals.
Benjamins-Laniyi further charged the students to uphold the spirit of “She’s for She’s and She’s for He’s” by supporting one another and promoting positive values.
She emphasised the need for girls to support one another while also raising boys with the right values to foster a more inclusive and respectful society.
She led the participants in reciting the D.R.E.A.M pledge as part of activities aimed at inspiring confidence, leadership and personal development among the girls.
The event was attended by teachers, mentors and other stakeholders committed to promoting girl-child development, leadership and empowerment.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru