In a world where girls continue to rise against the odds, the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child became more than a date on the global calendar—it became a movement of voices, purpose, and transformation. On Saturday, October 11, 2025, over 500 bright, hopeful schoolgirls gathered at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja, under the unifying theme “Girls’ Vision for the Future” and sub-theme “My Identity, My Power: Creating Safer Spaces for the Nigerian Girl Child.”
The event, organized by the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) in collaboration with the Priscilla Ekwueme Eleje Empowerment Initiatives (PEEEI) and other partners, was a remarkable convergence of mentorship, learning, and empowerment.
A Day of Inspiration and Identity
The atmosphere at the venue pulsed with excitement as rows of young girls—each wearing their dreams like a badge—filled the hall. This was not just another awareness event; it was a celebration of identity and strength.
Representing the Inspector-General of Police, AIG Olatunji Disu delivered a keynote address that underscored the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to protecting the girl child and fostering education as a tool against vices. The day’s sessions reflected a harmony of voices from UNICEF, UN Women, WHO, the Federal Ministry of Education, the FCT Secondary Education Board, and other key stakeholders—all aligned in one message: the future belongs to empowered girls.
PEEEI’s Role: Turning Awareness into Action
While many organizations shared goodwill, PEEEI’s presence transformed the event into an actionable platform for change.
In her goodwill message delivered by Akala Temitope (Program Officer, PEEEI) on behalf of Mrs. Priscilla Ekwueme Eleje, the call to action was clear and powerful:
“Every girl has a unique identity shaped by her experiences and aspirations. This identity is her power — a power to challenge stereotypes, break barriers, and lead with confidence. Girls, your identity is your strength. Own it, celebrate it, and use it to make a difference.”
That message became the emotional heartbeat of the celebration. It reminded every participant that empowerment begins from within, and that education and digital literacy are the wings to soar.
Empowering Through Knowledge and Safety
PEEEI took its mission further with practical empowerment initiatives that directly impacted the lives of participating girls.
* Health and Hygiene Empowerment:
Over 120 packs of sanitary towels were distributed to promote menstrual hygiene and confidence among young girls—a gesture that spoke volumes about dignity and self-care.
* Cybersecurity Awareness Session:
In partnership with ISACA Abuja Chapter, Omolara Esther Hamzat led an engaging session titled “Cybersense Security Checks and Facts on Teens’ Online Safety.” The session taught girls how to recognize online threats, guard against cyberbullying, and maintain a positive digital footprint.
By the end of the session, 10 outstanding SS2 and SS3 girls from six schools in Abuja were selected for advanced digital empowerment training. Each of them received a copy of the book “Getting Started in Cybersecurity for Teens”—a symbol of a new beginning in digital awareness and confidence.
The Ripple Effect of Empowerment
The day’s impact went beyond statistics—it was a ripple effect of transformation.
* 500+ girls left inspired with knowledge on leadership, self-identity, and personal safety.
* 120 girls gained improved menstrual hygiene support.
* 10 girls secured an opportunity for further digital learning.
* Stronger collaboration emerged between PEEEI, POCACOV, and ISACA, setting a foundation for future empowerment programs.
Every word spoken, every smile shared, and every skill taught contributed to building a generation of informed, confident, and resilient girls—the kind who will rewrite Nigeria’s story.
Beyond the Celebration: Sustaining the Movement
PEEEI believes that empowerment must continue beyond events. Hence, it announced a three-week virtual Digital Empowerment Training for Girls, organized with ISACA Abuja Chapter.
Starting shortly after the celebration, this program will provide hands-on learning in videography, content creation, and digital design, equipping the selected girls to tell their own stories and shape their digital futures.
To ensure continuity, PEEEI is also setting up a mentorship channel to track participants’ progress, share digital wellness tips, and sustain engagement. Beyond Abuja, the organization aims to expand its digital literacy and psycho-social empowerment programs to rural communities—ensuring no girl is left behind.
A Vision of Hope and Purpose
The 2025 International Day of the Girl Child was not just a celebration—it was a manifestation of PEEEI’s mission: to educate, empower, and protect the girl child.
Through its thoughtful collaboration with POCACOV and ISACA, PEEEI has proven that empowerment thrives at the intersection of education, technology, and safety.
As the curtains closed on the event, one thing became clear—every girl who walked out of that hall carried something new: a renewed identity, a louder voice, and a clearer vision.
For PEEEI, this is only the beginning. Because when a girl finds her power, she lights a path for others to follow.
