The Association of Lady Pharmacists ALPs, has intensified efforts in their determination to provide succor to indigent female children in the 23 Local Government Area of the state.
This is as they awarded six years scholarship to secondary school female students, which was announced by the ALPs state chairman, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Odom.
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In an interview, she explained that the motive behind the project was to give hope to the needy in the state and create a future where the vision of girl children will become reality, devoid of discrimination, limitation and fear.
Lady Pharmacists popularly known as ALPs are female pharmacists practicing in Nigeria and Diaspora who have come together to advance professionalism through advocacies, research and development, improving maternal and child health in partnership with the government and other well-meaning agencies.
ALPs was inaugurated 38 years ago and exist in the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
In the interview, Odom noted that the scholarship project flagged-off recently was part of their advocacy programme to support girl children through school, as a way of encouraging them to aspire to lead, innovate and inspire others.
The ALPs state chair revealed that “the newest project of ours is the commencement of our scholarship programme and we currently have 2 girl children, who we have placed on scholarships which will run for the entire six years of their secondary school education.
“Last year in September, we visited seven schools; public and private, during our Pharmacy week celebrations. In July of 2023, we visited 25 schools in collaboration with the Vitabiotics Company and The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria.
“We have engaged in mentorship programs with ladies of Madonna University and the University of Port-Harcourt, celebrating their best graduating students with cash gifts.
“This year, the Association takes a day in every month to visit a secondary school with our advocacies, the last of which for now, was the visit of the Lady Pharmacists to the GSS Akpajo.”
Odom specially appreciated the deputy governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, for keying into their project and appealed to all well-meaning citizens to see the scholarship as not just the ALPs Project, but a project for all, urging them to support financially and otherwise to see that the dream and vision for the girl child in the state are achieved.
ALPs chair who also spoke on the 2024 commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, held October 11, explained that the theme, “‘Girl’s Vision for the Future,’ resonates deeply with us as pharmacists, as we strive to improve the health and wellbeing of our communities. We acknowledge the incredible potential of girls around the world, especially here in Nigeria and our State.
“We recognize the girl child’s creativity, innovation, and determination to shape a brighter future for themselves even in the midst of Conflicts, economic hardships and gender inequality. As pharmacists, we understand the critical role that girls and women play in healthcare. We see the impact that access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities can have on their lives and the lives of their families, that is why we strive in our own little space to encourage them by way of advocacies especially against drugs and substance abuse, health and wellness campaigns, career enlightenment talks, awards of scholarships to mention but a few.”
Further, she explained that, “in the last one year of my administration, ALPs as we are fondly called, have been to over 100 schools in the state, ensuring that we catch them young and get them to believe that their futures are bright and that they can dream and achieve as far as their minds can take them. And so today, we re-commit to supporting and empowering girls to become leaders and change-makers in their communities. We pledge to continue providing mentorship, guidance and opportunities for girls to pursue their passions and interests.
“As an association, we will continue to advocate for policies and programs that promote gender equality, education, and healthcare for girls. We will work tirelessly to create a world where every girl can thrive and reach her full potential. Let us all join hands to create a future where girls’ visions become a reality. A future where they can live without fear, discrimination, or limitation. A future where they can lead, innovate, and inspire. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can create a brighter future for girls everywhere.”
