{
  "id": 3141149,
  "title": "Stakeholders seek stronger investment in girl-child empowerment",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/stakeholders-seek-stronger-investment-in-girl-child-empowerment",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-25T00:00:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/stakeholders-seek-stronger-investment-in-girl-child-empowerment/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Stakeholders have called for increased investment in the education and empowerment of girls, emphasizing its importance in leadership development, national progress, and the prevention of exploitation. During a graduation ceremony in Abuja, the inaugural cohort of the African Girl Guides' 12-week leadership program was honored. Attendees included government officials, civil society leaders, and young women. Nelson Ogohi, the founder of Uplift International, stressed that investing in girls should be a national priority, particularly in regions where educational barriers persist. He highlighted the significance of women in shaping future generations and urged stakeholders to prioritize girl-child education across Nigeria. Jindu Elueze, founder of Paw Salvation and African Girl Guide, shared his journey from Nigeria to the United States, where he founded an initiative that later expanded back to Africa. Elueze emphasized that the recognition he received was merely a preparation for his larger mission to bring the spirit of service to Africa. Sophia Okiasi, the manager of African Girl Guide, announced that the organization had graduated 37 young women from its first cohort, providing them with crucial skills for leadership and personal growth. Binta Adamu Bello, Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, underscored the importance of education in preventing human trafficking and other forms of exploitation. She advised graduates to be vigilant about opportunities and emphasized the role of educated and empowered girls in resisting exploitation. Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, called for integrity as the foundation of leadership and urged graduates to reject corruption and fraud. One award recipient, Ezechukwu Chidinma Maryanne, expressed her gratitude and commitment to using her recognition to inspire more young women to recognize their potential.",
  "summary": "Stakeholders advocate for stronger investment in girl-child empowerment and education, highlighting its critical role in leadership development and prevent Read More: https://punchng.com/stakeholders-seek-stronger-investment-in-girl-child-empowerment/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Stakeholders seek stronger investment in girl-child empowerment",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/stakeholders-seek-stronger-investment-in-girl-child-empowerment",
        "published": "2026-08-24T23:38:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}