By Folakemi Adeyeye (KG/24A/1530).
National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Toluwaloju Victoria Oluwatosin, has launched The Future Forward Project, a personal Community Development Service (CDS) initiative aimed at empowering the girl child with essential life skills, career guidance, and menstrual health education in Kogi state.
Oluwatosin (KG/24B/0206) kicked off the project with sensitization programs at Crowther Memorial School and Government Girls Secondary School, both in Lokoja, the state capital, reaching over 400 girls.
The initiative, scheduled to continue next week, targets three additional schools, with the overall goal of reaching 1,000 girls by the end of the program.
Tosin Toluwaloju shared that the vision for the project was inspired by her passion for the girl child and motto of the National Youth Service Corps – Service and Humility.
The NYSC corps member emphasized her belief in the potential of the girl child, stating that the girl child can be more when given the right tools and opportunities to thrive.
Through this project, Oluwatosin envisions fostering a generation of confident, informed, and purpose-driven young girls who are equipped to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
The programme features sessions on career guidance, personal development, and menstrual health hygiene.
Deborah Agbonika, founder of Akoni Care Foundation (ACF), encouraged the students to dream big, work hard, and overcome low self-esteem.
In addition, corps member Odumuyiwa Ibukun Christianah educated the students on personal and menstrual hygiene, highlighting its importance for their overall well-being.
Tosin Toluwaloju reiterated the significance of The Future Forward Project, stressing its role in building a more informed and responsible society.
“Empowering young girls with the right knowledge and skills ensures they can make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to their communities,” she said.
Over 400 sanitary pads were distributed during the sensitization programs, with plans to distribute more as the project progresses.
By combining career counseling, vital health education, and personal development, The Future Forward Project provides a holistic approach to empowering young secondary school girls in Kogi State.
