From Dreams to Reality: How the GIFTS Project is Shaping the Next Generation of Leaders in Rural Nigeria

In a heartwarming initiative, 26 young girls from Ogbogba in Kogi State are stepping into the new school term with renewed hope and support, thanks to the Girls Initiative for Future Transformation Scholarship (GIFTS) Project by the Empowering the African Girl Child (EMTAG) Foundation. The award ceremony held on September 13, 2024, marked a significant moment not just for the girls but for the entire community.

Breaking Barriers with Education
The GIFTS Project provided scholarships for 18 senior secondary students, 6 junior secondary students, and 2 primary school students. An exceptional male applicant also benefited, bringing the total beneficiaries to 27. This initiative highlights the foundation’s commitment to fostering education, particularly for young girls, in rural communities.

Solace Ojotule Okeyi, EMTAG’s founder, underscored the importance of the project by sharing her inspiring journey—from Kogi State to becoming an international development expert and MasterCard Foundation Scholar. Her vision is clear: education is a transformative tool that can empower girls to lead and innovate on a global scale.

Community Support and Impact
Community leaders and educators lauded the initiative for its role in alleviating financial burdens and encouraging families to invest in their daughters’ futures. Chief Yakubu Salifu Cna, the Oga Ata Ogbogba, highlighted how this aligns with the community’s aspirations for progress. Similarly, parents like Mrs. Veronica Sunday shared personal gratitude, reflecting on the opportunities their daughters now have that they could only dream of.

Mr. George Yakubu, Principal of Community Secondary School, and other stakeholders like Mr. Ainiko Stephen Yakubu and Mr. Yakubu Omaga expressed optimism that such projects would inspire a broader cultural shift towards prioritizing female education.

Behind the Scenes: The Faces of Change
The success of the GIFTS Project demonstrates the dedication of a passionate team. EMTAG’s Programme Director, Peter Ogohi Salifu, with expertise in development communication and community engagement, emphasized the project’s role in promoting inclusive education. Volunteers like Victoria Enyojo John, a seasoned development researcher and advocate for girls’ empowerment, and communication officers Edem Perpetual Odinaka and Al-Baker Sophie, were instrumental in ensuring the initiative’s smooth execution.

The team’s collaborative efforts reflect a shared commitment to creating lasting change, inspiring others to join the cause.

A Bright Future Ahead
As the 26 Ogbogba girls embark on this new chapter, the GIFTS Project stands as a beacon of hope. By reducing financial barriers and fostering an environment where education is valued, EMTAG is not only transforming individual lives but also uplifting the entire community.

To sustain and expand this impact, EMTAG invites partnerships and support from individuals and organizations passionate about advancing girl-child education. Together, we can shape a future where every girl has the opportunity to thrive and lead.