By Maria Famakinwa
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The Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu -Akeredolu has given out Laptop computer each to the 400 girls who participated in the two weeks BEMORE Summer Bootcamp 4 girls Naija as the five outstanding girls also went home with N25,000 each with a school bag.
Mrs Akeredolu gave out the items at the closing ceremony of the event which took place at the main auditorium of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA)
Mrs Akeredolu disclosed that she did not entertain any fear because she was convinced that we will overcome all hurdles to become one of the greatest countries in the world soon.
“I have never been more hopeful of a better Nigeria than this moment, seeing almost 400 girls ready to change our story and make us more visible on the world map.
“In a fast paced world driven by technology, the only way for a nation to catch up is to have leaders who are themselves technologically inclined. Here we are building the next generation of complete leaders who are technologically proficient, health aware and highly skilled entrepreneurs. They are all set to defy and leapfrog all obstacles in ensuring the Nigerian flag stands tall in G20 summits which is possible to achieve.”
The First Lady told the girls that there may be challenges atimes but that the boot camp has equipped them with all they need to overcome.
While describing the girls as the twinkle little stars, Mrs Akeredolu urged them to navigate their voyage.
“You are the soothing wind we hope will clear this cloudy sky and glides us to a glorious shore. You are indeed the hope of many generations that had lost hope and many more that will be hopeful.”
She appreciated all those who sponsored the programme as she described them as the great giants upon whose shoulders the girls will be standing on to see further and create lasting development for Nigeria and the world at large.
“You should all be proud of yourselves because you have given a head start to the girl -child and indeed the marginalized of the society and pitch their tents in the court of great visionaries.”
In the opening remarks of the Chairman of the occasion, Mrs Erelu Bisi Fayemi thanked the people of the State for their supports during Ekiti State Governorship election and commended the initiative of Mrs Akeredolu to make the girls relevant in the digital world at their youthful age through the training they have received.
“I am so proud and happy for the girls for getting to understand Information and Communication Technology (ICT) very early in life unlike most of us who did not have such opportunities until when we were adults.
“I see in you future leaders and I will want to advice you not to limit yourself as the sky is your starting point. I also want to thank the First Lady for the great idea and knowledge she is investing in the girls. This is one of the reasons I am here with my entuorange from Ekiti State to see if we can do the same when my husband finally assumes office as the Governor of the State.”
The special guest of honour who is also the Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Prof Joseph Fuwape, represented by Prof Philips Oguntade thanked Arabinrin Akeredolu for choosing FUTA as the venue of the occasion and also commended her for a job well done.
While assuring the First Lady of the institution support, Prof Fuwape said, “Mrs Akeredolu is a sower sowing on a fertile ground. You are a pathfinder making way for the coming generations. You are also an enabler helping young girls to achieve their dreams.”
The Don who revealed that FUTA will be expecting the girls for their first and second degree including Phd appealed to them not to trade away the golden opportunity and always strive hard to affect the society and the world positively.
One of the parents of the participants, who simply gave her name as Mrs Arifayan appreciated the First Lady for the programme and her efforts at empowering the girl -child across the State and pray for more strength for her to do more.
The best student in the camp Miss Busola Asooto, who spoke on behalf of other girls praised Mrs Akeredolu for believing in girls and encouraging them that they can do even more as girls undermining the societal limitations.
“Aside how to build Solar panel and operate computer, we were taught life changing skills like making household items, shoe and beads making, how to tie head gear, make up among others.
“We were also taught basic principles of healthy living, like regular exercise, breast examination and the importance of eating balance diet. All these had helped to impact our lives positively and we are very proud to have a loving mother like the First Lady and we are assuring her that we will never disappoint her. We pray that God will continue to bless her abundantly.”
