Foundation advocates leadership programmes for adolescent

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The Rena Foundation has called for more leadership and wellness programmes aimed at the development of adolescents in Nigeria.

Ruth Obozeghie, the Executive Director of the Foundation, made this appeal in Abuja during the inaugural edition of The Rena ShootUp Conference, titled “Her Leadership; Her Wellness.”

The conference focuses on girls in leadership positions in senior secondary schools in Abuja.

Obozeghie emphasised the necessity of such initiatives to equip young leaders with the skills and knowledge required to make positive contributions to society and to bridge the existing gap in leadership and wellness development among adolescents, particularly girls in leadership roles.

As a development journalist and leadership enthusiast, Obozeghie explained that the aim is to address the gap created by the absence of these programs, which often leaves adolescents with poor decision-making abilities, hindering their capacity to contribute positively to society.

“The Rena ShootUp Conference is set to become an annual event dedicated to building the leadership and wellness capacities of students in leadership positions across senior secondary schools in Nigeria,” she stated.

She highlighted that the lack of leadership development among adolescents globally has significant implications for their ability to contribute positively to society, as their personal growth is stunted. This, in turn, limits their influence in addressing pressing issues such as inequality and poor governance.

“Low self-esteem becomes commonplace for these young individuals, leaving many vulnerable to poor choices,” she added.

Obozeghie also posed the question, “Do we also talk about their welfare?” She pointed out that the Rena ShootUp Conference has identified a lack of sufficient guidance and development programmes that create challenges for young people navigating life’s opportunities.

“We need a bridge. We want the dots connected,” she emphasised.

The foundation is committed to developing leadership prowess and fostering personal growth, responsibility, and well-being among students in leadership positions across senior secondary schools in Nigeria.

For this maiden edition, 40 girls from four senior secondary schools in Abuja participated, with the theme “Her Leadership; Her Wellness.”

Udochukwu Okereke, an education and social impact advocate who served as the health and hygiene trainer at the conference, emphasised the importance and sustainability of such summits. The participants, who are senior secondary school prefects, are expected to share their knowledge about feminine hygiene and emotional management with their fellow students, as taught during the Rena ShootUp Conference.

“Just as the convener mentioned, there is a need for programmes like this because many girls lack the opportunity to listen to those who are slightly older than them, who can guide them through their teenage years,” Okereke stated.

“The teenage years are filled with confusion, and emotions can become overwhelming. Conferences like the Rena ShootUp Conference help participants navigate these situations. Understanding menstrual hygiene is crucial for self-care.”

She noted that most attendees are school leaders, which places them in a unique position to assist younger students, particularly those in junior secondary school, in managing menstrual hygiene and helping to destigmatise menstruation.

“There are many myths surrounding menstruation that are simply untrue. Conferences like this equip young women with the knowledge to navigate their teenage years effectively.”

From the student’s perspective, the initiative could not have come at a better time. Sharing her thoughts, Okorie Adaeze, a student at Peter Harvard International School in Abuja, said, “I have learnt to be independent. No matter what others think, as a female, I should always maintain a high self-esteem. I’ve also learnt how to keep myself clean and help others, especially during menstruation. It’s important to teach others about personal hygiene and consider them in the decisions I make.”

Another participant, Sharon Orji from Abuja, expressed her appreciation for the conference: “We came here to be inspired as women leaders and young leaders. The conference focused on how young girls should lead in society and not be oppressed. I learnt that we are not too small to lead. I want to extend a big thank you for inviting me and my school. It’s been a beautiful opportunity, and I’m really glad I attended.”

At the conclusion of the conference, the girls were presented with period products and certificates of participation.

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