Maden Healthcare Foundation Celebrates 2025 International Day of the Girl Child in Sapele

"Education is the most powerful tool for empowerment," Says Diana Abeke 

The Maden Healthcare Foundation, Delta State Chapter, in October 2025, joined the global community to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child. 

The widely attended event was held at Chude Girls Model Secondary School, Sapele, with the theme: “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis.”

The event, held in partnership with 13 organizations, brought together girls from nine secondary schools in Sapele to promote leadership, confidence, and health awareness among adolescent girls.

The programme was jointly supported by the UN Women GEWE Platform (Delta State & Sapele LGA), Forum for African Women Educationalists, (FAWE), Nigeria, Delta State.

Others are; Association Against Child Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (AACSGBV), Working Fingers International Initiative, Kortch Consult Ltd, G100 Mission Million (SDG Nigeria Wing), Gender Priority Strategy Ambassadors, HRM Queen Iyobosa Eshemitan Foundation, Nasom Development & Empowerment Initiative, Baptist Women Missionary Union, FOMWAN, The Complete Woman, Forum of Female Lecturers (DSPZ, Otefe-Oghara), and Edmund Anowa Foundation.

The event was graced by the the First Lady of Sapele LGA, Chief (Mrs.) Diana Abeke (Guest Lecturer), The Chief Inspector of Education (CIE), Sapele LGA and, the Representative of the Director, Post Primary Education Board (PPEB), Sapele LGA and lastly, Representatives of all the partner organizations

Schools in Attendance

1. Chude Girls Model Secondary School (Host)

2. Ebenezer Secondary School

3. Ethiope Mixed Secondary School

4. Orodje Grammar School

5. Ufuoma Mixed Secondary School

6. Urhiapele Secondary School

7. Ziks Grammar School

8. Rooted in Christ Academy

9. Sapele Baptist Association School

A total of 177 participants were recorded, including 124 girls from invited schools.

Programme Highlights

During an interactive session, the girls identified challenges they face, such as:

* Gender-based discouragement from pursuing education

* Low self-esteem and lack of confidence

* Peer pressure affecting lifestyle and academics

In her keynote address, Chief (Mrs.) Diana Abeke, the First Lady of Sapele LGA, encouraged the girls to remain determined and committed to their education.

She emphasized that "education is the most powerful tool for empowerment" and also, applauded Maden Healthcare Foundation and its partners for championing the cause of the girl child.

The representative of the Post Primary Education Board, reaffirmed government support for girls’ education and urged the students to avoid negative influences that could jeopardize their future.

Health Education Sessions

Deaconess Agnes Ofugara spoke on Reproductive Health, stressing the importance of informed decision-making, regular antenatal care for mothers, and ensuring childbirth is handled by qualified health professionals.

Similarly, Maden Healthcare Foundation delivered a Menstrual Hygiene Education Session, teaching the girls on;

  * Safe care during menstrual cramps

  * Regular change of sanitary pads

  * Proper hand washing after each change

  * Avoiding reuse of pads

  * Maintaining personal hygiene and dignity

 

Giving Dignity, Encouragement, and Support

Key highlights included:

* Unveiling of customized Forum for African Women Educationalists, (FAWE), Nigeria, Delta exercise books

* Presentation of Certificates of Participation to all the invited schools by FAWE

* Distribution of sanitary pads to all participating girls by Maden Healthcare Foundation

* Distribution of pens and pencils by the GEWE Sapele Group

* Presentation of Emergency Menstrual Hygiene Kits to four schools by Maden Healthcare Foundation

The event concluded with refreshments for all participants.

Conclusion

This celebration reaffirmed the belief that "when girls are informed, empowered, and supported, they lead change in their families, schools, and communities".

Maden Healthcare Foundation remains committed to improving the health, dignity, and leadership capacity of girls across Delta State and Nigeria.