Abigail Oyindamola Akinlade, a student of Start-Rite International School in Abuja, recently represented Nigeria at the 2026 Hiroshima Global Youth Forum in Japan. The forum, organized by the Hiroshima Prefectural Government and the Hiroshima Organization for Global Peace, brought together international high school delegates from different countries. Akinlade has now paid a courtesy visit to ex-Senate Leader and Chairman of the school's Advisory Board, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba.
During the visit, Akinlade shared her experience at the summit with Senator Ndoma-Egba and presented her appointment as an Ambassador of the Hiroshima Global Youth Forum. The appointment was conferred by Yokota Mika, Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture and President of the Hiroshima Organisation for Global Peace, in recognition of Akinlade's contribution to the international programme. This achievement is seen as a reinforcement of Start-Rite's commitment to preparing students for leadership beyond the classroom.
Senator Ndoma-Egba congratulated Akinlade during the meeting, describing her achievement as a reflection of the school's educational philosophy. He had previously challenged the entire school community to shift focus from activity to impact, urging every member of staff to judge success not by the number of programmes delivered, but by the lives transformed. This philosophy aims to raise young people who are equipped not only to succeed in life, but to improve the lives of others through purposeful leadership and meaningful service.
Akinlade's participation in the Hiroshima Global Youth Forum was a result of her immersion in the wider curriculum at Start-Rite, which includes leadership development, public speaking, Model United Nations conferences, Global Citizenship Education, and community engagement. These experiences gave her the confidence, perspective, and global outlook that earned her a fully funded place at the forum. There, young leaders from across the world engaged in conversations on peace, sustainability, and global cooperation.
The Hiroshima Global Youth Forum aimed to develop practical responses to challenges facing the current generation. Akinlade distinguished herself throughout the programme, culminating in her appointment as a Hiroshima Global Youth Forum Ambassador. This recognition reflects the value placed on qualities such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, adaptability, leadership, and the ability to solve complex problems.
As education continues to evolve, universities and employers are placing increasing emphasis on these qualities, which are cultivated through learning experiences that encourage students to think beyond the classroom and apply their learning to real-life situations. Start-Rite International School aims to provide such experiences, with the ambition of raising young people who are equipped to succeed in life and improve the lives of others.
The visit by Akinlade to Senator Ndoma-Egba reflects what becomes possible when vision is translated into opportunity and potential is carefully developed. With the new academic session underway, this achievement serves as an example of the school's commitment to developing young people whose education is measured not only by academic achievement, but by the confidence to engage with the world and the character to lead responsibly.
Key points
- Abigail Akinlade, a Nigerian student, has been appointed as an Ambassador of the Hiroshima Global Youth Forum in Japan.
- The appointment was conferred by Yokota Mika, Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture and President of the Hiroshima Organisation for Global Peace.
- Akinlade's achievement reflects the educational philosophy of Start-Rite International School, which aims to prepare students for leadership beyond the classroom.
