Women in different walks of life have taught young girls on need to identify themselves, unlock purpose and pursue their dreams.
They gave the advice at the first edition of Girl Talk With Ariyike (GTWA) conference held at the Sanctuary, Eti-Osa, Lagos.
Organised by Nollywood actress, Ariyiike Owolagba popularly known as Ariyiike Dimples, discussed topics including Balancing with authenticity: Thriving purpose, career and life; balancing purpose ambition with authenticity: Thriving in purpose, career and life; thriving in purpose, career and life, among others.
Speaker at the event include the wife of Ogun State Governor, Bamidele Abiodun; Mojibade Sosanya, Adeton Adefajulo and others.
Owolagba said GTWA is a journey that started nine years ago after she lost her job at a TV station and she wanted to do something new.
She said: “I like to talk about things that impact women, sharing idea, experiences, and opinions, creating a safe space for women. I started doing a podcast in 2016 but the podcast ended in 2018 because the company was not making money and I had to think of what else to do.
“I started GTWA and posted on YouTube, go to school to talk to girls, giving students menstrual healthcare and go with therapists to talk to the girls, shared sanitary towels. we started having a group where I started talking to the girls, and I did that for six years. This year, 2025, ought to be the six years of menstrual hygiene school talk but I heard in my spirit that I should rest and I realised that what I went through was God’s way of stripping me and taking away things I thought were mine. I thought my identity was built on the people that I knew, the money, friends and influence I had. I went broke and as at May 2025 when I got the vision for GTWA. I had N200 my account. All I heard in my spirit was to do a conference.
God gave me the specific people to call and everything start to align. I called Dr. Moyo Elesho and First Lady of Ogun State, Bamidele Abiodun they both helped me and supported me. My mentor, pastor Kome Nwoko said I should post about my conference and that’s how I got brands partnering with me.
When asked about her message to the girls, she said: “Your achievements don’t define you, your family doesn’t define you, the people you know, your friends do not define you. Your education doesn’t define you. Who you are is anchored in the truth of God, it is your essence, your value that God has created you with, you just need to search deep.
Under the girl talk, I have had five graduates, now that I have partners, I know more girls will get education. the menstrual hygiene school talk doesn’t stop. We will keep empowering girls and help them go to school There are areas in Nigeria where girls can’t go to school during menstruation because they can’t afford pad.
“I also help widows, I go to barracks with Tola Okanlawon and give food, clothes to wives of soldiers under the Cover by Tabitha initiative. I help elders under the Matto Homes Legacy in remembrance of my father whom I lost three years ago.”
Also, the wife of Ogun State governor, said: “No age is too big to acquire a degree. It is never too late to learn, to grow, or to achieve your dreams. I’m proof that you can keep evolving and achieving.” she said. You need to discover yourself, explore next.
