Empowering the Girl Child: Lessons on Leadership, Learning, and Financial Literacy

On October 15, 2025, the atmosphere at Baptist Junior High School, Obanikoro, Lagos, was charged with energy, inspiration, and a shared commitment to empowering the Nigerian girl child. The occasion - International Day of the Girl Child - brought together students, educators, professionals, and sponsors under the theme: “The Girl That I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis.”

The event, organized by the Osaide Foundation for Girls, was a vibrant mix of mentorship, education, and inspiration - with speakers from multiple industries lending their voices to the cause of building confident, empowered young women ready to shape their futures.

Founder, Osaide Foundation for Girls, Patricia Nekpen Opene-Odili FNE (right)

Empowering Girls to Lead - A Mission with Heart

Welcoming participants, Patricia Nekpen Opene-Odili FNE, Founder of the Osaide Foundation for Girls and Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, reaffirmed her commitment to championing girl child empowerment through education, mentorship, and leadership. She highlighted how the International Day of the Girl Child provides “a solid opportunity to reach more girls across Nigeria,” inspiring them to rise above social and economic limitations.

The Project Coordinator of the Foundation, Osagie Ekwem, introduced the guests and provided an overview of the day’s theme, setting the tone for an event that would combine inspiration, practical guidance, and real-world lessons.

Adebowale Adegbite, Head of Commercial, Money in Minutes

Financial Literacy for the Future

One of the major highlights of the day was a Financial Literacy session powered by the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) and delivered by Adebowale Adegbite, Head of Commercial at Money in Minutes Finance.

In a session that was both practical and deeply personal, Adegbite urged the students to start developing habits that would set them up for financial independence early in life.

“I never had a phone until after my Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE). I never had a personal laptop until after university, yet I was doing assignments for my colleagues who had laptops. I’m self-taught - all achieved by personal sacrifice,” he shared.

He went on to emphasize the principle of delayed gratification, explaining its role in long-term financial success.

“You must begin to develop the ability to resist an immediate reward in favour of a larger one in the future. It’s about forgoing a smaller pleasure now to achieve a better outcome later.”

Head of Commercial, Money in Minutes Finance, Adebowale Adegbite within the school premises

Adegbite encouraged the students to “make their money work for them,” pointing to technology-driven platforms such as PiggyVest and Bamboo as accessible entry points for young Nigerians interested in savings and investment.

“You are not too small to start. Technology has made it possible for anyone to grow wealth safely and smartly,” he said.

This session underscored the rising importance of financial education among young Nigerians, especially as the country navigates economic uncertainty. According to a 2024 EFInA report, only 27% of Nigerians demonstrate sufficient financial literacy - a gap that initiatives like this aim to bridge.

The cover page of the The Coin Quest authored by the CEO, Money in Minutes, George Badejo-Adegbenga

On behalf of the CEO, Money in Minutes and author of the children’s book on financial literacy, The Coin Quest, George Badejo-Adegbenga, Adegbite donated copies of the book to the school as part of the company’s drive to give children in Nigeria and the rest of the world an early education on how to make money, manage it and grow it.

The CEO, Money in Minutes, George Badejo-Adegbenga

Learning Never Stops - Dr. Ogunderu’s Message of Hard Work

The event also featured an impactful talk by Dr. Afolabi Ogunderu, President of the Association of Private Dental Practitioners in Nigeria and Managing Director of Day Dental Specialists.

Speaking passionately to the students, Dr. Ogunderu challenged them to combine their brilliance with hard work and focus.

“Everyone is brilliant, but are you willing to put in the work? Are you ready to burn the midnight candle and not drown yourself in the ever-consuming world of TikTok and the quest to go viral?” he asked.

He recounted his early experiences in school, including a physics teacher who spent more time marketing snacks than teaching - a reminder that learning sometimes requires personal drive beyond the classroom.

President, Association of Private Dental Practitioners in Nigeria, Dr. Afolabi Ogunderu

“Learning is a continuous process,” he added, revealing that he still reads every day to stay informed and relevant.

To support the students’ well-being, Dr. Ogunderu generously offered free dental check-ups for five nominated students from the school - a gesture that earned applause from the crowd.

Engineer Uchechi Edosomwan during her speech

Engineering Dreams and Knowing Yourself

Representing the Chairman of APWEN Lagos Chapter, Engineer Abosede M. Oyekunle FNSE, was Engineer Uchechi Edosomwan FNSE, who led a Career Inspiration Session for the students.

She began by describing engineers as “dream builders” who solve real-world problems and improve the quality of life through innovation.

Students of Baptist Junior High School, Obanikoro, Lagos

In a deeply engaging segment, she introduced the students to the SWOT analysis framework — a self-assessment tool often used in professional settings but creatively adapted for personal growth.

“S stands for Strength, W for Weakness, O for Opportunities, and T for Threats,” she explained. “When I ask, ‘Who are you?’ and you respond, ‘I’m an engineer, I work at…’ that’s not who you are - that’s what you do. You must know what makes you happy, what makes you sad, and what drives you.”

She then walked them through the pathway to becoming an engineer — emphasizing the importance of mastering core STEM subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Basic Technology.

“You can’t allow your like or dislike of a teacher throw you off. Engineering is the marriage of science, maths, and technology - and it begins with discipline,” she advised.

Finalists during the International Day of the Girl Child Quiz

A Celebration of Brilliance and Curiosity

The event also featured an inter-school Quiz Competition, hosted by Lilian Ogiziagwu, Publicity Secretary of APWEN. Students from both Baptist Junior and Senior High Schools competed in a lively, elimination-style contest that tested their knowledge in mathematics and science.

Publicity Secretary, APWEN, Lilian Ogiziagwu anchored the Quiz Competition session

After a competitive round, five finalists emerged and were rewarded for their outstanding performance, reinforcing the importance of learning, teamwork, and critical thinking.

Partnerships That Empower

The event was proudly sponsored by Sanlam, Allianz, Money in Minutes Finance, APWEN Lagos Chapter, and Boltund Investment Services Ltd, whose joint support made the celebration possible.

Together, these organizations continue to demonstrate how partnerships between education, finance, and engineering sectors can create lasting impact in empowering Nigeria’s next generation of female leaders.

Students of Baptist Junior High School, Obanikoro, Lagos

A Step Toward a Brighter Future

As the curtains closed, it was clear that this celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child was more than just a one-day event - it was a spark igniting ambition, discipline, and purpose among young Nigerian girls.

The voices, lessons, and encouragement shared on that day reaffirmed a collective belief: when girls are equipped with knowledge, confidence, and opportunity, they don’t just dream - they lead.