Nigerian Olympic medallist and performance coach, Christy Opara, has charged young girls to stand tall, know their worth and protect their right to education in order to be future champions. She made this statement at an empowerment programme to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child 2026 for schoolgirls in Abuja. The programme aimed at ending child marriage and safeguarding every girl’s right to learn, grow and thrive.
Opara drew from her experience as an Olympian and exercise physiologist, likening a girl’s life journey to an athlete’s footing on the track. She emphasized that every champion’s journey begins on the ground, with a strong foundation, and that when a girl's footing is strong, a sudden push cannot knock her down. She gave the girls three pieces of advice: know your worth, build your own skills through education, and protect your own pace.
Opara cautioned against societal pressure that rushes girls into early marriage and adult responsibilities, stressing that early marriage steals education and cuts dreams short. She urged parents, teachers, and leaders to protect girls by giving them time, safety, and school fees, not wedding dates. According to Opara, when a girl is kept in school, the entire community is strengthened.
The Founder of SOHO24 Foundation also emphasized the importance of education in a girl's life, saying that it is paramount for her to have control over her body and freedom of speech. She encouraged the girls to seek help when needed and to be aware of their rights. The programme had a significant impact on the girls, who participated actively in discussions and showed a newfound understanding of their rights.
National President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Edna Azura, described the programme as timely, saying girls need education, protection, awareness, and skills to avoid exploitation. She commended SOHO24 Foundation for the initiative, noting that the impact was evident in the girls’ participation during discussions.
Azura added that the programme had equipped the girls with the skills and knowledge necessary to take care of themselves and avoid exploitation. She emphasized that the girls now know their rights and how to seek help, and that education is crucial in giving them control over their lives. A novelty match between SOHO24 Foundation and NCWS was also held, with NCWS winning 6-0.
The programme was a significant step towards empowering young girls and promoting education and protection for the girl-child. Opara's message to the girls was clear: with a strong foundation, they can achieve their dreams and become champions. The event was a celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child 2026, and a call to action to end child marriage and promote girls' education.
Key points
- Christy Opara charges young girls to stand tall, know their worth and protect their right to education.
- The programme aimed at ending child marriage and safeguarding every girl’s right to learn, grow and thrive.
- Edna Azura commends SOHO24 Foundation for the initiative, noting its impact on the girls' understanding of their rights.
