“You were born to shine” — Akinsulure inspires girls at empowerment event
At the “Confident Girls, Healthy Choices” event held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the NUT Pavilion in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Mrs. Adeola Akinsulure delivered a stirring call to action for young girls.
She urged them to embrace their worth and potential as future leaders.
“This is more than an event. It is a movement, a mission, and a message to every girl in Lagos State and across the globe: You are enough. You are worthy. Your voice matters,” Akinsulure said as she welcomed over 200 female students from schools across Lagos State’s Education District VI.
A Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Fellow and educator at Omole Senior Grammar School, Akinsulure is the convener of the event themed “Building confident leaders through self-worth, hygiene, and etiquette.”
The initiative was designed to equip adolescent girls with essential knowledge and values for making informed and healthy life decisions.
She explained the broader vision behind the programme: “To educate girls on menstrual hygiene management, promote good health practices, and reduce the stigma associated with menstruation. To develop leadership skills, empowering girls to take initiative and spark positive change in their schools and communities. To provide etiquette training, enhancing social and communication skills for personal and professional growth.”
In a show of support and admiration, Kabiru Abass, Technical Monitor of Wisdom College of Excellence (WICE), encouraged students to emulate Akinsulure’s example.
“I appreciate the efforts of Mrs. Adeola Akinsulure who is a facilitator and mentor at the Initiative for Education and Development (IDEE) Teachers Development Programme (TDP) and IDEETeacherPrize,” he said. “She is a great collaborator and team player.”
The event featured a range of engaging sessions. Alero Oluwakanyinsola Ejeye led a talk on menstrual hygiene awareness, while Mrs. Adekoya Biliqees gave a biological perspective on menstruation. U.S.-based registered nurse Adetokunbo Oduloye delivered practical guidance on menstrual care.
Popular actress Juliana Olayode, also known as Toyo Baby, offered a heart-to-heart talk on purity and healthy choices. She captivated the audience with personal insights on self-worth, peer pressure, and upholding moral values.
In a heartfelt moment, Akinsulure launched her book Glow Girls, distributing copies to all attendees.
“This book is not just a collection of pages. It is a love letter from my soul to every girl—reminding her that even when the world tries to dim her light, she must choose to glow anyway,” she said.
Leadership coach, Dr. Toyin Sam-Emehelu, conducted a session focused on building self-esteem and leadership skills, while Joke Victoria Fekumo provided etiquette training on effective communication, grooming, and public comportment.
Students actively participated in group presentations, interactive discussions, and Q&A sessions—all designed to boost their confidence and equip them with practical life skills.
A student representative delivered the closing remarks, thanking the facilitators and expressing deep appreciation for the empowerment and education gained.
Special acknowledgments were extended to Lagos State Education District VI, the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), and all sponsors and partners who supported the programme.
As the event concluded with a networking lunch, Mrs. Akinsulure left the girls with a lasting charge: “You were not born to shrink. You were born to shine. To glow. To lead. Let today be the beginning of a lifelong journey—to raise girls who are confident, informed, and unstoppable.”
