By Prosper Meneย
Project LEAD will host the 7th edition of its International Day of the Girl Child Annual Conference on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Fantasia Hall, Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos.
This year’s theme is “Her Choice, Her Future, Her Legacy: Empowering Girls to Dream, Lead, and Build a Legacy of Excellence.”
The conference will bring together 100 senior secondary school girls from 10 local government areas in Lagos State for a day of mentorship, career exploration, leadership development and self-discovery.
In the last six editions, Project LEAD has created a platform where young girls meet accomplished professionals, ask questions, explore career possibilities and see beyond their current realities. This year’s edition will push the conversation further, helping girls understand how the choices they make today shape the women they become tomorrow.
The event will feature a keynote address by the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, Mobolaji A. Ogunlende, with Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, Special Adviser on Blue Economy and General Manager of LASWA, as guest speaker.
The panel session, anchored on this year’s theme, will be moderated by Diipo Ayo-Adeusi and will feature Barong Asiodu, Ifeoma Finnih, Olayinka Oyetunji and Ayanfe Vese.
In commemoration of World Mental Health Day, which is also marked on October 10th, there will be a special session titled “Her Mind. Her Choices. Her Future: How to make decisions that protect the woman you are becoming,” facilitated by Yemisi Vese.
The girls will also take part in career breakout sessions themed “Dignity in Labour,” designed to give them practical insight into different career paths. The sessions will be facilitated by professionals from Eko Hotel & Suites including Omebu Vivien Oputa, Banquet Sales Executive; Gbenga Otunuga, Front Office Receptionist; Olatuyi Ayoola Gbenga, Administrative Officer, Learning and Development; and Mariam El-dayem Hassan, Assistant Banquet Coordinator.
The conference will also feature a student debate competition judged by Ajibola Abdulkadir, Kingsley Oko, Stephen Bello and Phil Idokogi. The debate is sponsored by Alitheia Capital and will help the girls build critical thinking, research and public speaking skills.
Speaking on this year’s theme, Uzoamaka Amalu of Project LEAD said:
“True to our commitment to early intervention, we believe empowering girls cannot wait until adulthood. It starts while they are in their formative years and shaping their aspirations. This year is about helping them understand that their choices matter, their voices matter, and they have the power to build an incredible legacy.”
The 7th edition is sponsored by Eko Hotel & Suites with Pandora Global Agency as PR partner.
Media Contact:
Pandora Global Agency Ltd | hello@pandoraagency.co
Project LEAD Communications Team | 07031035989 | projectlead2019@gmail.com
