The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the African Girl Guide (AGG), Jindu Peter Elueze, has officially launched the organisation’s year-round mentorship programme, activating a founding cohort of 406 young women leaders as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2026.

The participants, mostly drawn from female members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), will undergo a structured mentorship programme designed to equip them with leadership capacity, entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy and governance knowledge.

The event was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Mr. Ateli Samson, NYSC Coordinator; Mrs. Aisha Nabena, Assistant Director at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation; Mr. Falayi Temitoye, Assistant Director and Head of the Child Rights Information Bureau; Professor Hauwa’u Muhammed Mainoma, Head of the Department of Education Management, Faculty of Education, Nasarawa State University; Ms. Colby, Alderwoman and AGG Advisory Board Member; Ms. Morenike Aduke van Jaarsveld, Special Adviser on Communications, National Security and Intelligence to Senator Olubiyi Ajagunnla Fadeyi of Osun Central; as well as representatives of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

The dignitaries delivered goodwill messages emphasising the importance of mentorship, leadership development and women’s empowerment.
Speaking during the event held under the theme “Give To Gain,” Dr. Elueze stressed that meaningful progress for women and girls requires deliberate investment in mentorship, leadership development and access to opportunities.

“Progress is not accidental; it is intentional. When we give mentorship, we gain confident leaders. When we give knowledge, we gain empowered decision-makers. When we give opportunity, we gain transformation,” he said.

He explained that activating the 406 founding participants reflects AGG’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of women who are ethically grounded, financially intelligent and prepared to assume leadership roles across sectors.

According to him, the mentorship programme will pair participants with experienced mentors drawn from sectors including business, technology, public service and social impact. Activities will include monthly virtual sessions, leadership conversations, career advisory support and peer-learning circles.

Participants have also been encouraged to develop innovative ideas capable of generating social or economic impact in their communities. They are expected to submit short videos—no longer than six minutes—presenting their proposals, outlining the problems they intend to solve and explaining the support required for implementation. A funding pool of ₦10 million has been set aside to support outstanding ideas.

Dr. Elueze noted that the initiative is designed to ensure mentorship translates into practical solutions that encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and community development among young women.

He also disclosed that the programme will incorporate a reward system to motivate participants throughout the mentorship journey, with recognition and incentives for completing tasks and activities on the programme’s digital platform.
The mentorship journey will begin with the AGG Bootcamp, focusing on leadership, entrepreneurship and personal growth, followed by the AGG Meet and Greet, aimed at strengthening networking and mentor-mentee engagement.

Participants will then implement Impact Projects, applying their knowledge to community or business initiatives, before the cycle concludes with the AGG Leadership Summit, where achievements and impact will be showcased.