By Gabriel Ameh
The League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) has launched its Girls Leadership Nest initiative at Ogbomoso High School in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, to empower secondary school girls with leadership skills, career guidance and a stronger appreciation of the importance of education.
The engagement, held on October 21, 2026, was organised through NILOWV’s Youth Development Committee as part of activities marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
With the theme, “Empowering Girls for Wholesome Leadership!”, the initiative seeks to nurture confident, informed and responsible young women through mentorship, interactive discussions and leadership development.
Rachel Anyanwu, Chair of NILOWV’s Youth Development Committee, is leading the initiative, which aims to help girls recognise their potential and prepare for meaningful roles in their communities and society.
LEADERSHIP, CAREER AND EDUCATION IN FOCUS
The engagement focused on three key areas: leadership, career development and education, providing students with an opportunity to reflect on their ambitions, explore career possibilities and understand their capacity to become leaders.
During the discussions, the girls were encouraged to see leadership as a responsibility that requires service, accountability, confidence and positive influence.
They were also urged to take initiative, speak up, embrace leadership opportunities within their school communities and support one another in achieving their goals.
On career development, the programme challenged traditional gender stereotypes that can limit girls’ ambitions and choices.
The students were encouraged to explore opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), entrepreneurship and civic leadership, while pursuing careers that align with their interests, abilities and aspirations.
EDUCATION AS A FOUNDATION FOR GIRLS’ FUTURES
Education was highlighted as a critical foundation for personal development, leadership and future opportunities.
The students were encouraged to pursue academic excellence, cultivate discipline and uphold integrity as they work towards their ambitions.
The engagement also drew attention to child marriage as a potential barrier to girls’ education and long-term aspirations.
Participants were encouraged to recognise the importance of protecting girls’ opportunities to learn, develop their abilities and make informed decisions about their futures.
The discussions reinforced the need for supportive environments where girls can express themselves freely, build confidence and develop the skills required to participate meaningfully in leadership and decision-making.
STUDENTS PLEDGE TO PROMOTE GIRLS’ LEADERSHIP
The programme was attended by NILOWV Students’ Coordinator, Ajiboye Hauwawu; Oyo State Youth Leader, Adekunle Elizabath; teachers of Ogbomoso High School; and other stakeholders committed to advancing the development of girls.
The students participated actively, asked questions about career choices and reflected on their responsibilities as emerging leaders.
They also pledged to serve as ambassadors of the Girls Leadership Nest initiative within their school community, helping to promote its message and encourage their peers to recognise their potential.
Their participation underscored the importance of giving girls opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations about their education, ambitions and future responsibilities.
NILOWV REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO FEMALE LEADERSHIP
NILOWV reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing future female leaders through mentorship, civic education, leadership development and skills acquisition.
Through the Girls Leadership Nest initiative, the organisation aims to sustain engagement with young girls, provide practical life lessons and encourage them to understand their worth, exercise their voices and participate in leadership and decision-making across political and private sectors.
The initiative reflects the importance of preparing girls not only to pursue personal success but also to contribute positively to their communities and the wider society.
As the programme encourages girls to embrace their abilities and ambitions, its central message remains clear: every girl deserves the opportunity to learn, develop her potential and lead.
Source: League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV).
Report submitted by Ajiboye Hawawu, Students’ Representative.
Date: October 21, 2026.
