By Tina Amanda
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Rivers State Branch, has called on teenage girls to prioritize developing leadership and accountability skills to positively impact society.
This appeal was made by Nnenna Igbokwe, the Chairperson of the FIDA Rivers Project Committee, during the inauguration of the FIDA Rivers Mentorship Club at Rumuokwuta Girls Secondary School, Port Harcourt.
Igbokwe explained that the Mentorship Club, which targets secondary school boys and girls, aims to educate and empower students on their fundamental rights, leadership skills, community service, and the importance of gender equality and the rule of law.
She emphasized that while schools provide education, they do not necessarily foster individual development. According to her, many timid teenagers, especially girls, lack the knowledge and confidence needed to become future leaders and mentors.
Igbokwe further noted that the initiative had received approval from the school board to include both boys and girls, emphasizing FIDA’s commitment to the development of all children.
“This project by FIDA Rivers is designed to mentor these children. The club will educate and empower students on their fundamental rights, leadership skills, gender equality, and the rule of law,” she said.
“This is one of the projects for FIDA Rivers mainly for us to be able to talk to these childrenand mentor them. This club is actually designed to educate and empower the students on their fundamental rights, leadership skills, gender equality, and the rule of law.
“FIDA is all about children, the girl child, the boy child. This school mentorship is both the girl and boy child, we have been given approval by the school board to talk to the boys too”.
She highlighted plans for activities such as leadership training and workshops aimed at preparing the students for future responsibilities.
“We will teach them about the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, their fundamental human rights, and how to live free from violence. When you catch them young, they can mentor the next generation.
“What they learn isn’t just for their consumption—it will ripple through their communities, helping to sanitize society. These students, equipped with the right knowledge, will make a broader societal impact.”
Speaking on behalf of the students, Ajakayioluwa Temitope, Senior Prefect of Rumuokwuta Girls Secondary School, expressed gratitude to FIDA Rivers for inaugurating the Mentorship Club.
She assured FIDA that as Head Prefect, she would use her leadership position to ensure the club achieves its goals.
“This initiative will educate and empower students to understand their fundamental rights and become better leaders in society.”
The Mentorship Club promises to inspire students to grow into responsible and impactful citizens, advancing FIDA Rivers’ mission to empower the next generation of leaders.
