Project LEAD Hosts 7th International Day of the Girl Child Conference in Lagos

Project LEAD will hold 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. The event will bring together 100 senior secondary school girls from 10 local government areas across Lagos State for a day focused on conversations, mentorship, career exploration, leadership development, and self-discovery.

This year’s theme, “Her Choice, Her Future, Her Legacy: Empowering Girls to Dream, Lead, and Build a Legacy of Excellence,” builds on the six previous editions that have given young girls a platform to meet accomplished professionals, ask questions, and explore possibilities beyond their current circumstances. The 7th edition will encourage participants to consider how the choices they make today can shape the women they become tomorrow.

Keynote and Guest Speakers

The conference will feature a keynote address by Mobolaji A. Ogunlende, Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, Special Adviser on Blue Economy and General Manager of LASWA, will serve as guest speaker.

Panel Discussions and Mental Health Session

A panel session anchored on the conference theme will be moderated by Diipo Ayo-Adeusi and will include Barong Asiodu, Ifeoma Finnih, Olayinka Oyetunji, and Ayanfe Vese.

Another session, themed “Her Mind. Her Choices. Her Future: How to make decisions that protect the woman you are becoming,” will be facilitated by Yemisi Vese. This session coincides with World Mental Health Day, observed globally on October 10th.

Career Breakout Sessions

The girls will also take part in career breakout sessions under the theme “Dignity in Labour,” designed to offer a closer look at various career paths and the importance of dignity, professionalism, and purpose in the workplace. Facilitators from Eko Hotel & Suites will lead these sessions, including Omebu Vivien Oputa, Banquet Sales Executive; Gbenga Otunuga, Front Office Receptionist; Olatuyi Ayoola Gbenga, Administrative Officer, Learning & Development; and Mariam El-dayem Hassan, Assistant Banquet Coordinator. Drawing from their experience in sales, guest services, learning and development, and events, the facilitators will provide practical perspectives on different routes into the world of work.

Student Debate Competition

The conference will also feature a student debate competition, judged by Ajibola Abdulkadir, Kingsley Oko, Stephen Bello, and Phil Idokogi. Sponsored by Alitheia Capital, the debate gives participants an opportunity to develop and demonstrate critical thinking, research, and public-speaking skills.

Project LEAD’s Commitment to Early Intervention

Speaking about 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 promises to be a day of connection, learning, and inspiration, giving each girl the chance to ask bigger questions about who she wants to become and to leave with a clearer sense that her future is hers to shape.

Sponsors and Partners

The conference is proudly sponsored by Eko Hotel & Suites, with Pandora Global Agency as the PR partner. BellaNaija is a Media Partner for Project LEAD.

Media Contact: Pandora Global Agency Ltd | hello@pandoraagency.co
Project LEAD Communications Team | 07031035989 | projectlead2019@gmail.com