Edo Govt, Stakeholders Launch South South Girls Rock 2026 to Empower Young Women

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Government has pledged its support for South South Girls Rock 2026, an initiative aimed at empowering young women, bridging mentorship gaps and creating opportunities for girls across the South-South region.

The commitment was made during the official unveiling of the initiative at the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Benin City, with government officials, women leaders, grassroots advocates, media practitioners and other stakeholders in attendance.

In her keynote address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, said the administration of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo remained committed to creating an enabling environment for girls to thrive.
She identified education, digital skills, entrepreneurship, safety and leadership development as key areas of focus, while urging accomplished women to mentor younger women and create pathways for them to access leadership and decision-making spaces.

The initiative, spearheaded by Empire TV, seeks to move beyond financial assistance by providing mentorship, skills development and support for vulnerable girls, particularly those in underserved communities.

Project Coordinator, JoJo Dominic, a former international supermodel, called for stronger grassroots engagement and sustained mentorship, warning that peer pressure, social media influence and premature relationships were exposing young girls to avoidable risks. He also urged stakeholders to challenge negative stereotypes about the South-South and support young women to build confidence and leadership capacity.

Other speakers, including Irene Obazee, Adesuwa Lato and Nollywood actress Itohan Igbinidu, encouraged women to embrace resilience, skills development and self-reliance. Lato, in her presentation, “The Price of the Mic: Sacrifice, Struggle & Staying,” highlighted the challenges faced by women in the media industry and urged young professionals to prioritise skills, credibility and consistency over quick financial gains while Igbinidu, speaking on “The Power of the Single Mother: Self-Control, Strength & Empowerment,” stressed the need for education, financial independence, skills and support systems for single mothers, noting that empowering women strengthens families and communities.

The highpoint of the event was the official unveiling of South South Girls Rock 2026 by Commissioner Eugenia Abdallah.

Stakeholders subsequently pledged to take the initiative into communities, schools and markets through sustained mentorship, grassroots engagement, policy support and collaboration, with the goal of equipping girls across the South-South to lead, innovate and participate meaningfully in society.