The ceremony featured presentation of certificates to the graduates, cutting of the graduation cake as well as presentation of starter packs to the most outstanding beneficiaries.
By Irene OffiongÂ
Empowering teenage girls and young mothers through mentorship, vocational and digital training opportunities has remained the core focus of a nonprofit organisation known as Girls Leading Africa (GLA).
In over 5 years the nonprofit organisation has trained more than 150 teenage girls in Odukpani local government area of Cross River State, south-south Nigeria to acquire skills under four critical areas such as Hairdressing, Tailoring, Catering and digital education.
According to the founder of the organisation, Dr Gift Umo, “the initiative is aimed at empowering vulnerable girls and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 5, which focuses on providing access to free, equitable and quality education for girls as well as eliminating discrimination, stereotypes and promoting entrepreneurship.”
She explained that the girls, including Cohort 5 graduates, have benefitted from the programme, which provides one-year intensive training in the four critical areas, noting “outstanding graduates have received starter packs to establish their own businesses.”
The founder, who was represented by the Programme Supervisor, Emem Otu at the 2026 graduation ceremony, described the event as a celebration of resilience, courage and transformation.
“Today is more than a graduation ceremony. It is a celebration of resilience, growth, courage and possibility. We gather to celebrate what happens when girls are seen, supported and given the opportunity to rise,” she said.
She also commended parents and guardians for supporting the girls throughout the programme and praised teachers, mentors and community leaders for guiding the trainees.
Continuing, she stated, “to our graduating girls, your journey was not always easy, but you showed up, you persevered and kept believing in your future. We are proud not only of what you have achieved, but of the leaders, dreamers and changemakers you are becoming.”
In her valedictory speech, Endurance Boniface of the computer technology school urged fellow graduates to remain committed to continuous learning and innovation.
According to her, “the certificates received are not the end of our learning; they are our version one launch. The world needs people, who can bridge the gap between human problems and technological solutions.”
Also speaking, a board member of GLA, Dr Elizabeth Archibong, charged the girls to remain disciplined, focused and determined in pursuit of their dreams.
She urged, “do not allow anyone to make you feel you have nothing in you. God has deposited potentials in you and GLA is helping to bring them out.”
Dr Archibong advised the girls to avoid distractions and temporary pleasures capable of derailing their future aspirations.
“The world today needs educated and skilful women, who can lead, create opportunities and make positive changes in society. You are future leaders, future mothers, professionals and nation builders,” she emphasised.
The ceremony featured presentation of certificates to the graduates, cutting of the graduation cake as well as presentation of starter packs to the most outstanding beneficiaries.
Parents, guardians, community leaders, facilitators and supporters of the initiative attended the graduation ceremony.
