By Funmilayo Adeyemi
The Executive Secretary of the Youth Empowerment Foundation (YEF), Mrs Iwalola Akin-Jimoh, has emphasised the importance of investing in education, particularly for disadvantaged girls across the country.
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Akin-Jimoh made the call in Abuja on Tuesday at the YEF GOAL Alumni Reunion, an event designed to bring together girls from various institutions that had completed their schooling under the GOAL project.
She expressed concern over the government’s decision to scrap the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship programme, which she described as crucial in supporting brilliant but financially challenged students.
Akin-Jimoh noted that the GOAL project, funded by Standard Chartered Bank, was launched to empower young girls through education, skills training, and mentorship.
“The GOAL project, which began in 2010, focuses on girls in junior secondary schools.
“It adopts a four-module training approach that equips girls to be confident, financially literate, healthy, and empowered.
“The programme also incorporates sports activities such as football and taekwondo, aimed at promoting self-confidence and teamwork among the girls,” she said.
Speaking on its impact, Akin-Jimoh said the project had transformed the lives of thousands of girls, many of whom had become leaders and change-makers in their communities.
“Many have started their own businesses, while others have pursued higher education and careers.
“The project has also helped girls acquire vocational skills in areas such as hairdressing, tailoring, and baking,” she added.
She said that the foundation was providing grants of N100,000 to girls who had established their own businesses and were now empowering others.
According to her, this initiative aims to support entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance among young women.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs Tolulope Osoba, Senior Programme Manager and Child Protection Officer at YEF, called for more supportive programmes that helped girls overcome social and economic barriers.
Osoba highlighted the project’s role in addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV), noting that it educated girls on how to recognise, respond to, and support others experiencing abuse.
“To support their entrepreneurial journeys, we launched the ‘Skills for Life’ component, teaching vocational skills such as tailoring, baking, IT, and hairdressing.
“Many of these young women have since built thriving businesses and are creating a cycle of empowerment and sustainability.”
“Some beneficiaries shared their success stories at the event,” she said.
Gift Danjuma, a GOAL Girl Getter who joined the programme in 2011, said she learned about life skills, peer pressure, and menstrual health, and now found fulfillment in giving back to her community.
Also, Afinanyi James, a young entrepreneur who joined the programme in 2009, said that the experience had helped her establish a successful business and that she was now mentoring four other girls.
James stressed the importance of government support for empowerment programmes, citing their long-term impact on national development.
“By providing opportunities and resources, the government can help young people thrive and contribute to the country’s growth,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 168,946 girls from selected public schools in Ibadan, Abuja, and Lagos have benefited from the GOAL Project.
The programme offers training in reproductive health, life skills, and sports development, including football and martial arts.(NAN)
