In continuation of the implementation of the Performance Improvement Action Plan (PIAP) activities and the PDO for Q3, Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation (ISWSC) on Friday 13 October 2023 partnered with Girl Child Initiative Outreach, an NGO, to commemorate this year’s International Day for the Girl Child.
The event was held at Imo Government Girls’ Secondary School (IGGSS), Owerri, and was celebrated with utmost enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to the well-being and rights of the girl child. It was held in partnership with the Girl Child Initiative Outreach and join by over 250 girls thoughtfully selected from secondary schools across Imo State. This celebration marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing crusade for gender equality and empowerment.
In his rousing speech and while welcoming the guests and participants, Evang. Kelechi Ohaeri, a Senior Advocate of the Girl Child and the President of the Girl Child Initiative Outreach, set the stage for a day filled with inspiration and empowerment.
“To make a difference, we must invest in the well-being and rights of every girl, for a good girl today is indeed a better mother tomorrow,” Ohaeri passionately conveyed.
In his spirited address, Ohaeri presented a compelling overview of the organisation’s endeavors over the past decade, emphasizing their mission to empower and uplift the girl child. These efforts have included the annual organization of this conference, menstrual hygiene seminars with the distribution of sanitary pads, girl child summits, and monthly school visits. Furthermore, they have established girl child clubs in select schools and aspire to extend this initiative to more.
The upcoming “One Girl, One Skill Program” is a remarkable project that aims to equip fifty selected girls with life-transforming skills over a year and a half. Ohaeri extended an open invitation to potential partners to join in this meaningful initiative.
Happiness Nkeiruka Eluchie, Esq., a lecturer at the College of Law, Gregory University, Uturu, and an Associate in Chambers, Eluchie, Eluchie and Associates, Owerri, Imo State, followed Ohaeri. In her insightful address, she elaborated on the importance of investing in girls’ rights and well-being, emphasizing the societal benefits of empowering girls during their formative years.
“Adolescence is a critical point in every person’s life. If they are empowered at a vulnerable age, they can mature into liberated, wise women of the future. As a society, we all win,” Barr. Eluchie eloquently expressed.
Eluchie also underscored the need for digital inclusion of the girl child in STEM, emphasizing the pivotal role of technology and digital literacy in the well-being and success of girls. She called for inclusive policies and legal frameworks to protect girls’ rights and ensure their equitable participation in digital spaces.
The celebration was also marked by the presence of ISWSC representatives, including Mrs. Assumpta Ogbonna-Okorie, Mrs. Happiness Ebere (Gender Focal Person), Mr Christopher Ononukwe, Mr Joseph Ogbonna, and Lilian Oledinma. These representatives through the Head of Administration, who spoke on behalf of the Managing Director and CEO of the Corporation Engr Emeka Celestine Ugoanyanwu, reeled out the vital role of ISWSC in ensuring the inclusion of the girl child in the WASH sector. Mr Ogbonna-Okorie also highlighted the Corporation’s contributions to the passage of the VAPP Law and acknowledged the unwavering support of the state governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, in assisting the girl child. She stressed that ISWSC an a major sponsor of this year’s event is committed to protecting the dignity of the girl child.
The day’s program was rich and varied, featuring a panel session where experts discussed critical topics related to girls’ rights and well-being. It provided an invaluable platform for sharing knowledge and experiences, thereby inspiring the attendees.
The culmination of the event featured the presentation of awards, with Mrs. Assumpta Ogbonna-Okorie, Head of Administration at ISWSC, being honored for her significant contributions to the protection of the girl child.
Participating schools in the event included Rochas Foundation College, Methodist High School, St. John Leonardi International Secondary School, Premiere Secondary, Faith House Leadership Academy, Imo Government Girls’ Secondary School, Amen International Secondary School, Gifted Brains International, and Diovinic Secondary School.
The central theme for this year’s conference, “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being,” underscores the crucial importance of nurturing the next generation of leaders who will shape society. It signifies that by investing in the rights and well-being of every girl, we are investing in a brighter, more equitable future.
The celebration of the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC)—observed annually on 11 October—is a global platform to advocate for the full spectrum of girls’ rights. It is powerful reminder of the vital role that the girl child plays in shaping our society’s future. It is reinforced the unwavering commitment of organizations and individuals dedicated to empowering girls, one skill, one right, and one well-being at a time. For the celebration of “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being”, UNICEF and partners call for a $1 billion increase in investments for adolescent girls.
NG-SURWASH: ISWSC, Partner NGO Celebrate the 2023 Int’l Day of the Girl Child
In continuation of the implementation of the Performance Improvement Action Plan (PIAP) activities and the PDO for Q3, Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation (ISWSC) on Friday 13 October 2023 partnered with Girl Child Initiative Outreach, an NGO, to commemorate this year’s International Day for the Girl Child.
The event was held at Imo Government Girls’ Secondary School (IGGSS), Owerri, and was celebrated with utmost enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to the well-being and rights of the girl child. It was held in partnership with the Girl Child Initiative Outreach and join by over 250 girls thoughtfully selected from secondary schools across Imo State. This celebration marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing crusade for gender equality and empowerment.
In his rousing speech and while welcoming the guests and participants, Evang. Kelechi Ohaeri, a Senior Advocate of the Girl Child and the President of the Girl Child Initiative Outreach, set the stage for a day filled with inspiration and empowerment.
“To make a difference, we must invest in the well-being and rights of every girl, for a good girl today is indeed a better mother tomorrow,” Ohaeri passionately conveyed.
In his spirited address, Ohaeri presented a compelling overview of the organisation’s endeavors over the past decade, emphasizing their mission to empower and uplift the girl child. These efforts have included the annual organization of this conference, menstrual hygiene seminars with the distribution of sanitary pads, girl child summits, and monthly school visits. Furthermore, they have established girl child clubs in select schools and aspire to extend this initiative to more.
The upcoming “One Girl, One Skill Program” is a remarkable project that aims to equip fifty selected girls with life-transforming skills over a year and a half. Ohaeri extended an open invitation to potential partners to join in this meaningful initiative.
Happiness Nkeiruka Eluchie, Esq., a lecturer at the College of Law, Gregory University, Uturu, and an Associate in Chambers, Eluchie, Eluchie and Associates, Owerri, Imo State, followed Ohaeri. In her insightful address, she elaborated on the importance of investing in girls’ rights and well-being, emphasizing the societal benefits of empowering girls during their formative years.
“Adolescence is a critical point in every person’s life. If they are empowered at a vulnerable age, they can mature into liberated, wise women of the future. As a society, we all win,” Barr. Eluchie eloquently expressed.
Eluchie also underscored the need for digital inclusion of the girl child in STEM, emphasizing the pivotal role of technology and digital literacy in the well-being and success of girls. She called for inclusive policies and legal frameworks to protect girls’ rights and ensure their equitable participation in digital spaces.
The celebration was also marked by the presence of ISWSC representatives, including Mrs. Assumpta Ogbonna-Okorie, Mrs. Happiness Ebere (Gender Focal Person), Mr Christopher Ononukwe, Mr Joseph Ogbonna, and Lilian Oledinma. These representatives through the Head of Administration, who spoke on behalf of the Managing Director and CEO of the Corporation Engr Emeka Celestine Ugoanyanwu, reeled out the vital role of ISWSC in ensuring the inclusion of the girl child in the WASH sector. Mr Ogbonna-Okorie also highlighted the Corporation’s contributions to the passage of the VAPP Law and acknowledged the unwavering support of the state governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, in assisting the girl child. She stressed that ISWSC an a major sponsor of this year’s event is committed to protecting the dignity of the girl child.
The day’s program was rich and varied, featuring a panel session where experts discussed critical topics related to girls’ rights and well-being. It provided an invaluable platform for sharing knowledge and experiences, thereby inspiring the attendees.
The culmination of the event featured the presentation of awards, with Mrs. Assumpta Ogbonna-Okorie, Head of Administration at ISWSC, being honored for her significant contributions to the protection of the girl child.
Participating schools in the event included Rochas Foundation College, Methodist High School, St. John Leonardi International Secondary School, Premiere Secondary, Faith House Leadership Academy, Imo Government Girls’ Secondary School, Amen International Secondary School, Gifted Brains International, and Diovinic Secondary School.
The central theme for this year’s conference, “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being,” underscores the crucial importance of nurturing the next generation of leaders who will shape society. It signifies that by investing in the rights and well-being of every girl, we are investing in a brighter, more equitable future.
The celebration of the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC)—observed annually on 11 October—is a global platform to advocate for the full spectrum of girls’ rights. It is powerful reminder of the vital role that the girl child plays in shaping our society’s future. It is reinforced the unwavering commitment of organizations and individuals dedicated to empowering girls, one skill, one right, and one well-being at a time. For the celebration of “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being”, UNICEF and partners call for a $1 billion increase in investments for adolescent girls.
Christopher Ononukwe
Communications Desk Officer