By Henry Akubuiro
Everybody spoke with one complimentary voice: any woman dedicated to the cause of empowering young girls and women should be encouraged to do more, for society is the greatest beneficiary.
The formal launch of the book, Isoken, and the Isoken Nwabunka Foundation, which took place at the CREM Event Centre, adjacent Ejigbo Mini Stadium, Lagos, last Thursday, drew participants from all walks of life, who resolved to rally round Isoken Nwabunka Foundation to train thousands of young girls and women across Nigeria to enable them stand in good stead.
In his address of welcome, the Chairman of the Advisory Board of Isoken Nwabunka Foundation, Sonny Irabor, described the foundation as a social enterprise dedicated to empowering young girls and women between the ages of 12 and 21 to enable them to overcome the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood, and nurturing their potential to become productive, caring, and responsible citizens.”
The formal launch of the Isoken Nwabunka Foundation encompassed the launch of the Isoken Community Project and the book, Isoken.
As part of the Isoken Community project, the foundation will establish Isoken Community Clubs in senior secondary schools and universities across the country to provide young members with a world-class club experience, motivating them to stay focused on their academic pursuits, develop plans for their futures, and cultivate exemplary character and entrepreneurship attributes.
The foundation intends to raise 300 million naira to support the entrepreneurial development of 2,000 teenage girls and young women from 50 schools in each of the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. Each participant will also benefit from mentorship and education in entrepreneurship, including the basics of business, business ethics, and business management, with necessary resources and gadgets.
In her keynote address on “The Importance of Empowering Young Girls and Women in Nigeria”, Mrs Delphine Misan-Arenyeka, said, in a country where gender equality “is still a struggle, we must recognise the immense value and potential of girls and women. They empower individuals and advance our nation.”
She believed that “empowering young girls and women is not only a matter of justice and equality, but it is also the key to unlocking our nation’s limitless potential.”
Thus, “We honour the visionaries and change-makers who work to improve the lives of young girls and women in Nigeria by recognising the Isoken Nwabunka Foundation and the book, Isoken. Through its unwavering dedication, the Isoken Nwabunka Foundation has become a beacon of hope, offering education, mentorship, and empowerment.
“Isoken, a story of resilience and human triumph, shows the transformative power of empowering young girls and women. The Isoken Nwabunka Foundation and its stories can inspire, motivate, and instill a sense of possibility in every Nigerian girl and woman, creating a ripple effect that will shape a brighter future for generations to come,” she noted.
A fairly good amount of money, running into millions of naira, was raised during the event, with many participants donating to train a number of young girls via the Isoken Nwabunka Foundation.
Veteran actress, Ajai-Lycett spoke glowingly of Isoken Nwabunka and her cause. In his vote of thanks, the husband of Isoken, Dr. Godwin Nwabunka, thanked everybody for throwing their weight behind a noble cause.