Dr Helen Obi, National Commissioner Training, NGGA, made the call in Awka, Anambra State Capital, on Monday, during a press briefing on the activities lined up for the celebration of the association’s 100 years in existence.
She said, “The NGGA is concerned with the increasing rate of violence against women and girls in the World, particularly in Nigeria and other African Countries.
Obi said at least 300 girls and women from the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones are to be trained on various skills to mark the centenary celebration of Nigeria Girl Guides in Anambra State.
She noted that the association, which began in the United Kingdom in 1909, came to Nigeria in 1919 and was established at St. Monica, Ogbunike Anambra, in 1923.
She said that the training will take place at St. Kizito Umudioka Dunukofia Local Government Area of the State from August 23 to August 27, 2023.
Mrs Obi, flanked by the State Commissioner of the association, Mrs Charity Ezeakunne, the State adviser, Mrs Uche Arakute, and other members of the three-four guides and red cap chiefs, said participants would be taught different skills.
“The participants are expected from all the states of the South-East and South-South geo-political zones, and they will camp at St. Kizito Umudioka, Dunukofia area, where they will be trained on 16 different activities”, she said.
Obi said the vision of the association is to position the girl child towards tackling challenges in society.
“We have vision 2032, and our aim is to seek opportunities for our girls to achieve their potential in life”, she said.
She said that the association has impacted the lives of girls and women, especially through education, skills, and mentorship.
Obi, who used the medium to call on parents and teachers to do more for the upbringing of the girl child, said a lot of challenges are facing the girl child.
“Girl children are still faced with problems of rape, child marriage, domestic violence, child labour, child trafficking, and other socio-cultural norms, which has moved us to seek partnership with UNICEF to end the menace.
She also commended the formal governors of Anambra State, Peter Obi and Willie Obiano, for their support of the body, saying “The duo gave us buses in addition to support from other benefactors.”
