Project LEAD, a social enterprise dedicated to developing young female leaders, will bring together 100 senior secondary school girls from 10 local government areas in Lagos State for its seventh annual International Day of the Girl Child Conference.

The conference will hold on Saturday, October 10, at Fantasia Hall, Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, with a focus on helping girls make informed decisions about education, careers, leadership and personal development during their formative years.

The 2026 edition is themed “Her Choice, Her Future, Her Legacy: Empowering Girls to Dream, Lead, and Build a Legacy of Excellence.”

According to the organisers, the theme reflects the belief that efforts to empower women should begin before adulthood.

The programme will feature leadership training, mentorship, career discussions, self-discovery activities and a student debate competition. Participants will also engage in discussions on decision-making and the pressures that can influence young girls’ choices.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, is expected to deliver the keynote address, while the Special Adviser on Blue Economy and General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, will serve as guest speaker.

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

The conference will also commemorate World Mental Health Day with a session titled “Her Mind. Her Choices. Her Future: How to Make Decisions That Protect the Woman You Are Becoming.” The session will be facilitated by Yemisi Vese.

Participants will be introduced to different career paths through breakout sessions themed “Dignity in Labour.” Professionals from Eko Hotels & Suites will lead the sessions, providing practical perspectives on work, professionalism and career development.

The event will conclude with a student debate competition sponsored by Alitheia Capital. Folake Moremi Akano will anchor the competition, while Ajibola Abdulkadir, Kingsley Oko, Stephen Bello and Phil Idokogi will serve as judges.

Project LEAD founder, Uzoamaka Amalu, said early intervention remains central to the organisation’s approach to developing female leaders.

“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,” Amalu said.

The organisers said the conference has, across its previous six editions, given girls opportunities to interact with professionals, ask questions, explore career options and gain perspectives on their futures.

The 2026 edition is sponsored by Eko Hotel & Suites, while Pandora Global Agency Ltd is the public relations partner.

Source: Punch