Opara Recognizes Girl-Child, Exhorts Them To Pursue Sports

By Andrew Abah, Abuja 

Ambassador Christy Opara has celebrated the Nigerian Girl-Child with a call on them to be bold and strong in their resolve to push for limitless opportunities available.
The former Nigerian international and 1992  Olympic silver medallist gave the admonition during the occasion to celebrate this year International Day of Girl-Child held at Soho 24 Event Centre, Kado-Abuja.

‘We at Soho 24 Foundation believe that empowering girls is not just about changing individual lives it’s about transforming communities and shaping the future. Sports as a universal language has the power to build confidence, discipline, team work and leadership’

‘Through this program, we aim to give every girl the opportunity to discover her strength, unlock her potential and develop lifelong skills that extend far beyond the playing field. Our focus on sports development goes hand in hand with skill-building ensuring that these young women are not only athletes but also innovators, leaders and change-makers in their communities’ She said

Also on hand to celebrate the Girl-Child Day are representatives of the Nigeria Custom Service, Chief of Defence Staff and several others dignitaries in attendance including the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps and hundreds of students in attendance at the colourful ceremony.

In their goodwill message, CG, Customs Kemi Nanna Nandap represented by Deputy Comptroller of Custom, DCI Olaosegba Olaoye urges the young ladies to have vision, focus and take their education seriously.

‘Forget boys for now. Make your nation, family proud. Don’t look down at yourself .Show the world the greatness you possess’ She admonished

Also in the same vein, Mr. Felix Imologlome who represented Hon Abike Dabiri who is the chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora while the representative of CDS Navy Captain B.Y Ibrahim gave assurance  that the Army is doing all within their means to provide safe and conducive environment for them to thrive.

Mr. Caleb Gidado the CEO of Aduba Community Empowerment Foundation and a former retired director in the National Sports Commission lectures the over 200 students in attendance on the day’s topic while Ambassador Opara also engaged the students in another lecture.

Outstanding awards were given to the CDS and the CG of Customs. There was empowerment and skills acquisition programmes at the occasion with music, dancing while some of the mentee were also paraded.