Kuje, FCT — October 23, 2026
Embracing the Girl Child Initiative (EGCI) has empowered over 1,000 girls with sanitary pads and educational kits during a school outreach programme at Government Secondary School (GSS), Kuje, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as part of activities commemorating the 35th anniversary of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Abuja Branch.
The outreach, held on Friday, October 23, 2026, also featured an advocacy visit to the Emir and Gomo of Kuje, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr. Haruna Tanko Jibrin, whose assurance of support for the organisation’s mandate underscored the importance of traditional institutions in advancing the rights, protection and empowerment of the girl child.
The programme focused on menstrual hygiene, child rights, personal safety, education and career development, with the aim of equipping girls with the knowledge, resources and confidence to pursue their aspirations in a safe and supportive environment.
As part of the intervention, over 1,000 girls received sanitary pads and educational kits containing essential learning materials to support their education, menstrual hygiene and overall well-being. The distribution was designed to address practical challenges that affect girls’ dignity, confidence and participation in school, while reinforcing the importance of education and access to essential resources.
Refreshments were also distributed to the male students present, highlighting the importance of inclusive participation and shared responsibility in promoting menstrual health awareness, respect for girls and the welfare of children.
Beyond the distribution of essential supplies, the outreach featured educational sessions designed to equip students with practical knowledge about their bodies, their rights and their future. The menstrual hygiene session highlighted the importance of accurate information, proper hygiene practices and access to menstrual products, while challenging the stigma and misconceptions surrounding menstruation.
The child rights session, facilitated through the partnership with FIDA Nigeria, Abuja Branch, emphasised the importance of protecting children from abuse, exploitation, discrimination and harmful practices. The students were encouraged to understand their rights, recognise threats to their safety and seek assistance from trusted adults and appropriate authorities when necessary.
The career guidance session further inspired the girls to recognise their abilities, explore diverse professional opportunities and pursue their ambitions without allowing gender stereotypes or societal limitations to define their future.
EGCI Secures Emir’s Support for Girl-Child Advocacy
A significant highlight of the programme was an advocacy visit to His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr. Haruna Tanko Jibrin, the Emir and Gomo of Kuje.
The Emir expressed happiness at receiving the delegation and assured the organisation of his commitment to the mandates of EGCI. His warm reception and assurance of support underscored the importance of collaboration between civil society organisations and traditional institutions in promoting girls’ education, discouraging child marriage, addressing gender-based violence and strengthening community-based child protection initiatives.
In a gesture of solidarity and appreciation, the Founder of EGCI, Nneamaka Onyema, FICMC, personally presented a branded polo T-shirt to the Emir. The presentation symbolised the organisation’s appreciation for his support and its commitment to working with traditional institutions to advance the welfare and empowerment of girls.
The engagement further highlighted the influential role traditional rulers can play in fostering community attitudes that respect children’s rights, protect girls from harmful practices and create opportunities for them to thrive.
Founder Reaffirms Commitment to Girl-Child Empowerment
Speaking on the significance of the outreach, the Founder of Embracing the Girl Child Initiative, Nneamaka Onyema, FICMC, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to building a society where every girl is protected, informed and empowered to realise her full potential.
She emphasised that meaningful empowerment extends beyond the provision of material resources to include access to education, accurate health information, legal protection and opportunities for personal development.
The collaboration with FIDA Nigeria, Abuja Branch, and Ruhnaysons Consults Limited demonstrated the importance of strategic partnerships in addressing the multifaceted challenges confronting the girl child. By combining advocacy, legal awareness, educational engagement and material support, the partners highlighted the need for collective action in creating safer and more inclusive environments for girls.
Renewed Call for Collective Action
The International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11, provides an opportunity to spotlight the challenges girls face and renew calls for investment in their rights, education, health, safety and development.
Through its intervention in Kuje, EGCI reaffirmed its commitment to translating advocacy into practical action while strengthening relationships with traditional institutions, schools and other stakeholders whose support is essential to sustainable change.
The organisation called on government agencies, parents, schools, traditional rulers, corporate organisations and development partners to deepen their commitment to protecting girls from abuse and discrimination and ensuring that every girl has access to education, healthcare, essential resources and opportunities to achieve her aspirations.
The outreach reinforced a central message: empowering the girl child is a shared responsibility that requires sustained commitment, strategic partnerships and deliberate investment in the next generation.
Readers are invited to view the photographs from the outreach and advocacy visit, which capture key moments from the engagement with the students, the distribution of sanitary pads and educational kits, and the solidarity visit to the Emir of Kuje.
ABOUT EMBRACING THE GIRL CHILD INITIATIVE
Embracing the Girl Child Initiative (EGCI) is a non-governmental organisation committed to promoting the rights, protection and empowerment of girls and women. Through advocacy, education, community outreach, legal support and strategic partnerships, EGCI works towards a future where every girl can thrive without confines.
SUPPORT AND SPONSORSHIP
Account Name: Embracing the Girl Child Initiative
Bank: United Bank for Africa (UBA)
Account Number: 1028578863
CONNECT WITH EGCI
Website: https://embracingthegirlchild.org.ng
Email: embracingthegirlchild@gmail.com
Instagram: @embracingthegirlchild
Facebook: Embracing the Girl Child
YouTube: Embracing the Girl Child Initiative
Telephone: +234 902 673 3814
Together, we can make a difference — one girl at a time.
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