In celebrating the 9th Edition of the “Girls Uphold Your Dignity Programme” themed: GIRLS WITH PURPOSE, YOUR FUTURE STARTS NOW, the FEYReP founder, Her Excellency, Dr. Martha Udom Emmanuel, has continued to redefine charity by making strategic investments in the lives of the girl child, women, and the vulnerable persons across Akwa Ibom State.
Dr Emmanuel, while delivering her opening remarks at the event which was held at the FEYReP Hall, no 15 Ben Udo Street, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo Akwa Ibom State, recounted that FEYReP began this journey in 2016 following rising cases of unwanted pregnancies, sexual abuse, and moral decadence among young girls in the State, highlighting that over the years, the program has expanded its focus to include sex education, human trafficking, drug abuse, and gender-based violence.
Mrs Emmanuel stated that FEYReP’s teams have been going round Secondary Schools in the State to sensitize girls against indulging in premarital sex which could lead to sexually transmitted infections or unwanted pregnancies (which in most cases automatically truncates the girl-child’s education, as they would be forced to drop out of school and in many instances become societal nuisance constituents) and other vices that they would live to regret in future.
She further emphasized that the initiative was designed to challenge young girls to stay focused on their aspirations and make informed choices while emphasizing the importance of following due process in life. She highlighted that there are four types of gowns a young girls should wear in life; “Matriculation, Graduation, Wedding, and Maternity gowns, urging them to embrace the right sequence and ensure that whatever they do is done in that order of listing.
She further admonished them to be dignified girls thereby share the knowledge they have gained with others and spreading the awareness.
The FEYReP Progenitor appreciated everyone for being a part of FEYReP’s success story and she specially recognised its partners.
Presenting a Keynote address, Professor Roseline Emenyi who spoke on the theme; “Girls with purpose, your future starts now,” urged the girls to embrace self-discipline and a clear sense of purpose as they navigate their teenage years.
She highlighted the dangers of peer pressure, social vices, and early exposure to negative influences, emphasizing the need for proper mentorship, career guidance, and value-based education to help young girls reach their full potential.
The event featured a thought-provoking panel discussion, questions and answers sessions which addressed crucial issues affecting young girls. The panellists were: Barrister Clifford Thomas who spoke on “sexual and gender-based violence”, Roselyn Essien, “the role of parental care and parent-child relationships”, Dr. Enobong Akpan, who educated the girls on “HIV and health”, and Dr. Enobong Mkpang who discussed “teenage pregnancy and understanding developmental changes in the body”. In additional to all these, Dr. Itoro Etim took the stage as well to encourage the girls to dream big, achieve bigger, and set goals for success.
The event had girls drawn from different Secondary Schools across the State and some out-of-school girls also known as “Plaza girls “
Meanwhile, several students who attended the event shared their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to learn from the program.
In a separate goodwill messages, the Chairman of Oruk Anam Local Government Area, Rt Hon, Elder Sunday Festus, the Akwa Ibom State Speaker, Children Parliament, Rhoda Vincent, FEYReP beneficiaries, among others all paid tribute to FEYReP and its founder for the vision in organising such a lofty programme for the girl-child.
Also, the FEYReP Coordinator, Dr. Mrs. Idorenyin Ekanem, expressed gratitude to the founder of FEYReP, Her Excellency Dr. Martha Udom Emmanuel, for birthing such a transformative initiative. She urged the participants to leverage the knowledge gained and apply it in their daily lives to make informed and positive choices.
At the end of the event, the girls were presented with gift items. Other activities which added colour to the event was an educative playlet performance titled “Girls with purpose, your future starts now” by Uncle Chico and cultural display, by the New Dawn Cultural Troupe.
