By Stanley Onyekwere
In the heart of Pegi Village, Kuje Area Council, a quiet revolution is taking root. To mark International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, the JAM Intervention for Vulnerable Children and Climate Change Initiative brought together a group of young women for a transformative one-day mentorship program, proving that with the right guidance, the sky is truly the limit.
The initiative, aimed at equipping adolescent girls with the tools for future leadership, centered on the IWD theme: “Justice, Rights, Action,” with the poignant sub-theme, “Give to Gain.”
For the founder of the JAM Initiative, Josie Mudasiru, the event was more than just a ceremony; it was a mission of empowerment.
“Mentoring these girls by educating them on their rights and the opportunities available to them is my way of giving back to society,” she noted.
Mudasiru urged the participants to be ambassadors of their own growth, tasking them to share the knowledge they gained with their siblings and peers.
She warned them against the distractions of negative influences and illicit activities, advising, “Be focused, hardworking, and God-fearing. That is the only way to achieve true success. Dare to dream, and with hard work and perseverance, all your dreams will become a reality.”
The keynote speaker, Dr. Hadjia Hauwa Aminu Wambai, founder of the Al-Masareef Foundation, provided the girls with practical life hacks for success. Beyond academic excellence, she emphasized the importance of vocational skills as a pathway to financial independence.
Dr. Wambai introduced a “one-hour rule,” advising students to dedicate at least one hour of focused study daily after school to avoid the pitfalls of pre-exam cramming.
She also held a candid session on menstrual hygiene and personal discipline, noting that being neat, skilled, and well-behaved are essential hallmarks of future female leaders.
Dreams Reclaimed
The impact of the program was perhaps best captured by the stories of the girls themselves.
For Salome Markus (14), who once dreamed of becoming an astronaut, had previously been told by her father that the field was “reserved for men.”
According to her, following the mentorship session, her perspective shifted.
“The program has inspired me not to give up on my dreams,” she said with renewed confidence.
Also, Salome’s peer, Suweiba Haruna (14), shared a similar sentiment, noting that the event has motivated her to take her academics more seriously.
According to Media Coordinator,
JAM-Initiative, Martha Yusuf Shibayan, the event was hosted at the palace of the Village Head of Pegi, Chief Irimiya Nisana, who expressed his full support for the initiative.
“I am elated that our community was chosen for such an important event.
“The JAM Initiative and other NGOs are always welcome here. I am committed to the growth and development of all members of my community, especially the girl child”, Chief Nisana said.
The day concluded on a high note with the distribution of educational materials—including exercise books—and hygiene supplies, such as sanitary pads, ensuring that these young leaders are not only inspired but also equipped to pursue their academic and personal goals.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
