2-Day Colloquium In Honour of the Girl Child

The Student Union of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko organized a 2-day event themed Breaking Glass Ceilings in the 21st Century for the African Girl Child.

The colloquium took place at the school’s Olusegun Obasanjo Hall and was organized by the union’s Vice President, Valentina Akinlalu.

Several dignitaries graced the occasion, such as the Balogun of Akure, Rear Admiral Ilesanmi Alade and the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Princess Oladunni-Odu. Dr. Olusegun Owolewa representing the Vice-Chancellor and HRM Tinuade Babalola, Regent of Iboropa Akoko also attended the event.

The Guest speaker of the occasion is Dr. Eileen Zuberi-Oparada. She is the founder of the African Youth Diaspora Organization & AfCFTA Youth Council for Youth Empowerment & Capacity Building based in the USA and Tanzania.

In her virtual lecture, Eileen noted that time is people’s biggest asset, and people must learn to invest wisely. She emphasized that leadership lives in everyone, and this starts by working with others and finding your tribe.

But most importantly, she said communication and self-awareness are vital tools for personal development. These will help in emotional management and dealing with stress.

Think outside the box & choose wisely

She expressed that students must learn to think outside the box, have a great network and gather skills for the extraordinary. And in so doing, they will make wealth as it comes in many forms.

“Wealth comes in many forms; like skills, network (who you know not what you know), friendship (non-judgmental toward yourself and then others). And everyone must learn the act of community building; by giving whenever they can with whoever they can, and majorly by providing solutions in their society”

She also noted that a life partner is one of life’s biggest investments, and everyone should choose wisely.

Do not lose your matchless glitter

Also in attendance was the wife of the House of Representatives member for Akoko Northeast/Akoko Northwest Federal Constituency of Ondo State, Mrs. Abimbola Tunji-Ojo. She spoke on “Women and Security” and “The Final Essentials in Relationships and Marriages” respectively.

In her speech, Mrs. Tunji-Ojo said that “Every man wants his woman to be his best fan. But she must also be her person too! Do not allow your personality and needs to become so engrossed in his life that you lose your matchless glitter. Be supportive of your partner and he will do the same for you. If you both keep growing in your personal lives, your relationship will also grow and blossom”.

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She concluded by advising girls to “Go out there and prove to the world that you can break the ceiling; as an African girl child that will never be shoved aside in the society where discussions that matter are being discussed. Be the next generation to raise a strong and healthy family for a better society.”

On the final day of the event, Rear Admiral Alade said “Women are security, security is women. And without security, there will be no development.”

According to him, “Women are cheaper to attract, more intelligent and better behaved. This is better for Nigeria’s military operations”. He concluded by saying, “Women are a major workforce in our society so they should show more interest in participating in security. There is no discrimination against any woman anymore; they can help in gathering intelligence.”