By Osahon Osahon
Wife of Delta State Governor, Dame Edith Okowa, the Vice Chancellor, University of Benin (UNIBEN), Professor Lilian Salami, have been nominated for award of recognitions for their contributions and services to humanities, especially the girl-child.
The awards are to be presented by Oghenewvede Ashley Kemete Memorial Foundation.
President of the Foundation, Mr. Dwayne Omonefe Kemete, disclosed this while marking the Foundation’s Day and the Day of the Girl-Child in Benin City.
Others listed for the award include Stella Okotete, Executive Director (Business Development) Nexim Bank, Hon. Helen Taiwo, National Secretary, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Kemete said the awardees are women who have contributed significantly to the development of the society, with a view to encourage other girl-child that their future is bright if they could put their minds on what they are doing.
He added that for the girl-child to have a voice and be self-reliance, their education must not be toiled with, but should be given the utmost importance.
He lamented that over 95 million adolescent girls around the world are not in school and that these girls are bright and hardworking, and when given the chance to fulfill their potential with education, they can transform families, communities, and even the entire countries.
“We know that when we give these girls a chance to learn, they will seize it. That’s why we have been working to lift and honour leaders and organizations around the country who empower girl-child every single day.
“As part of our support for the girl child, an essay competition was run and the selection process have started and our distinguished judges will be coming up with the results soon.
“As the days go by, we hope to equip more girls with the critical skills they need to become leaders of their own lives.
“On the day of the girl-child and beyond, I hope that our foundation will find a way to support education for adolescent girls around the nation,”Kemete said.
