By Egwuonye Ujuaku
In actualization and promotion of self confidence, respect, moral values, empowerment, authenticity, potentials, self-worth and realization of the right and place of the African girl child in the contemporary and revolving world, the founder of Daughters of Africa Development Initiative (DOADI) and Queen Consort of Akaboezem Community, Lolo Chiamaka Chukwuka (Ph.D) hosted the girl children of Akaboezem community and beyond in Obi Akaboezem Uruagu Nnewi , Nnewi North Local Government Council of Anambra State, Nigeria during the 5th edition of her annual girl child pet project.
The event was stupendous and spectacular in all ramifications as Lolo Chukwuka left no stone unturned at introducing novelty in the 5th edition. The invitation of various schools from the community to showcase their potentials in debate, talkshows, drama, cultural dance, calisthenics, quiz etc. The icing on the cake was the award of scholarship to foundation members of DAODI and crowning of Miss Okechukwu Favour Chizoba as DAODI Ambassador with attractive cash gift.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Prof. Y.E Ihegihu enjoined the girl children to be resilient, polite, courageous while building their confidence on truth. She advocated for dignity among the African girl child. She equally counselled them on the positive and productive use of the social media.
Displaying her motherly disposition, she enumerated some female icons of Nigeria descent and encouraged the children to emulate the livestyles of achievers like Prof. Ngozi Okonjo – Iweala; President of World Trade Organization, Dame Virgy Etiaba; First female governor in Nigeria, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili; Former World bank starwalt / former Nigerian Minister of Education, Amina Mohammed; the immediate past Secretary General of United Nations (UN), Justice Mary Odili of the Supreme Court of Nigeria; Zuril Adewale etc.
Praying for them, she beseeched God to bless them with wisdom, dignity, unmerited favours so that they would attain great heights and become the pride of the society and global icons.
Speaking to journalists, the convener of the programme who doubles as the Queen consort of Akaboezem Community, Lolo Chiamaka Chukwuka (Ph.D) said that the objective of the programme was inspirationally aimed at eradicating low self esteem exhibited by some daughters not only in Akaboezem community but African daughters and instilling or restoring self confidence among them in a bid to make a desirable positive societal impact.
Reflecting on the theme of the annual girl child convention “The girl I am, The Change I Lead”, Lolo Chukwuka described girls as the anchors of positive differences and reforms in our society. Through DOADI, the place of the girl child in the society is enhanced. DOADI is an inspirational goal-oriented initiative through which it aims at facilitating and fine-tuning the potentials of all African daughters and girls living in rural areas like the Akaboezem community. It prioritizes a bright future for every African daughters/girls irrespective of family background or social class. Hence she highlighted the four pillars
- Mentorship and Grooming: DOADI is for the girl who desires direction and has values but has no one to give it.
- Education: It prides on educational support for the sensible girl who values education but has no one to help her. No girl should be sent out of class or taken advantage of because of school fees.
- Exposure and Innovation with the aim to bringing the world to the rural girl who may never travel out, so she is not cut off.
- Giving a voice to girl children of Akaboezem through the establishment of Akaboezem Uruagu Girl’s Guild (AUGG), she emphasized it is to unite and teach them positive values and to support the less privileged ones in attaining a brighter future”.
Lolo Chukwuka charged daughters of Africa to see themselves as agents of change anywhere, any day and any time with their natural leadership endowment . “Do not let anyone tell you that you are too young, too poor, or just a girl to lead. Lead in your class, in your home and in your community”.
The point of attraction at the 5th anniversary of DOADI were the achievement of three major feats namely;
Inauguration of Akaboezem Uruagu Girl’s Guild (AUGG), a mentorship platform with the sole responsibility of raising and guilding the next generation of female leaders.
There was also a presentation of scholarship packages/Educational support worth hundreds of thousands to committed DOADI members. This initiative was supported by C.E.O of Chimdiukwu Clinic & Maternity, Nurse (Mrs.) Chinwe Udeogu with an annual scholarship award to Ike Chioma and Ike Chisom for taking first and second positions respectively in their last exam.
Noteworthy is the tremendous contribution of the royal father of Akaboezem, Obi Dr. Benjamin Chukwuka (Obi-diora-mma) Obi Akaboezem. Other distinguished personalities present were Rev. Father Paul Ebubedike, Prof. Chima Ihegihu, Mrs. Mbonu Chioma (H.M Akaboezem Primary School), Chief Ugwunwa Okeke, Chief David Moghalu, Mr. Ifeanyi Ifeakandu, Chief Emmanuel Ukatu, Mr. Anthony Dike (JP) and many other distinguished guests.