We collaborated with the Office of the First Lady of Enugu State to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) with the brilliant students at the Institute of Management and Technology(IMT), Enugu
With this year’s theme; “Step Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM”, we reinforced the urgent need for stronger advocacy, more conversations, and bolder actions to eliminate this harmful practice once and for all.
From the very start, the energy in the room was undeniable. Our Managing Director, Comr. Egodi Igwe, set the tone with an engaging discussion, inviting students to share their thoughts on FGM and what they hoped to gain from the program. Their responses were thought-provoking, proving that young people are not just witnesses to change—they are the changemakers we need.
The Deputy Rector of IMT, Dr Ejim Emeka Patrick, officially welcomed us and applauded the initiative, stressing that the institution is committed to amplifying the message against FGM. He assured us that the students would not just listen but become advocates in their own circles, using their voices to protect the next generation of girls.
Adding to the momentum, Dr Uzoamaka Uzoechina, Technical Adviser on Gender Matters, delivered a brief but comprehensive overview of the issue at hand. She highlighted how the First Lady’s office has been leading the charge against gender-based violence, calling on young people to join the movement and step up the fight against FGM.
Then came a deeply insightful session with Dr Nevo Calistus Obiora, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane. His lecture was both eye-opening and chilling, as he broke down the brutal realities of FGM—its different forms, the lasting physical and emotional scars it leaves, and why it must be stopped. His message was clear: no girl should ever have to suffer in the name of culture or tradition.
The Little Vanguard Movement introduces peer-led protection groups in schools, where trained pupils will monitor, report, and advocate against all forms of abuse. By positioning children as proactive defenders of their peers, the movement strengthens the early warning system for abuse and gives children a clear voice in their own safety.
Alongside this, the Little Vanguard Initiative prepares young learners for leadership through hands-on exposure to innovation, creativity, and civic responsibility.
Goodwill messages from key stakeholders strengthened the momentum. Mrs Chinyere Ugwu, Wife of the Honourable Speaker, Hon. Mrs Ngozi Enih, Honourable Commissioner for Children, Gender, and Social Development, Mr Ukpai Chibuzor (NAPTIP), Mrs Olachi Chuks-Ronnie (FCDO), and Professor Joy Ezeilo SAN (Founder, WACOL) lent their voices in support of the initiative. Each speaker affirmed the urgent need for active child protection structures in schools and praised the initiative for creating space for children to lead early.
The sessions were loaded with insight. Dr Chinyere Onyeisi, SPA to the Governor on Education Innovation and Coordinator of the Smart Green Schools, took the children on an exciting dive into the future of learning. She shared how our classrooms are being transformed into globally competitive spaces, where technology and curiosity are shaping tomorrow’s leaders.
The Government House Medical Team led by Dr Yomi Jaye, SPA to the Governor on Health, followed with a lively, hands-on session on dental hygiene that had the children completely engaged.
The children brought the entire event to life. Pupils from The Smart Green Schools, Owo Campus stunned us with their creative use of artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, and robotics in education — a clear glimpse into the classrooms of tomorrow.
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Children from other participating local governments presented a thought-provoking drama on educational neglect, followed by a cultural dance from another group. There were also interactive quizzes and games coordinated by the facilitators, and the event ended with the Little Vanguard parade, led proudly by the children themselves in their uniforms.
Our Founder, Her Excellency, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, delivered a heartfelt address that tied everything together. She reminded the children that they are not too young to lead or too small to protect one another. She urged them to speak up, act with compassion, and always stand for what is right. She also called on parents, teachers, and communities to support this new wave of young protectors – because real change happens when every voice and action counts.
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