By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
A non-governmental organisation, Joyright Initiative, has empowered over 140 students, including 86 adolescent girls, in Isara Remo town, Ogun State, with sexual and reproductive health education and leadership skills.
The initiative, done in collaboration with the Afotamodi Education Committee contest of Isara Remo, was in commemoration of the annual Afotamodi Day.
The event, which was held recently at Afotamodi Hall, Isara Remo, involved reaching students from eight schools across the town through a written quiz, a girl child seminar, and a debate competition on the adverse effect of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on education, with winners receiving prizes.
During the seminar session, tagged ‘She Knows it, She Owns it,’ the Team Lead of Joyright Initiative, Busayo Soyebo-Eniade, encouraged participants to embrace leadership, emphasising that leaders can be nurtured or naturally inclined.
Soyebo-Eniade further noted that taking responsibility and showing gender sensitivity are key leadership traits that set leaders apart.
She said, “Leadership skills are applied to an individual’s life, whether one is a leader or not. Remember, I said leadership skills can be natural.
“Be assertive but respectful toward others. As a leader, it is important to express yourself, listen attentively, speak up, speak directly, concisely, and clearly. Good leaders must also be good communicators, so learn to keep your communication short, simple, and straight to the point. By doing all these, you are positioning yourself as a great leader.”
The Project Manager, Joyright Initiative, Tobi Ogundele, also facilitated a session on ‘My Body, My Right,’ focusing on informed decision-making and sexual and reproductive health rights of individuals.
Ogundele, while demonstrating the functions of the various parts and organs of the body, told the participants that every part of the body belongs to the owner and should not be touched without consent.
She said, “All the parts of your body belong to you, and you have every right over them. It’s time to embrace it as God’s gift to you. By doing this, you are building self-confidence and love.”
The event ended with a charge for the participants to embrace their individuality, appreciate their uniqueness, and aspire for leadership positions.
The participants, totalling 146, received a goody bag containing sanitary pads, a journal, a pen, and candies.
