Popular event planner and entrepreneur, Mrs. Sophia Otemabor Lawrence, founder of Sophie’s Treat Trove, has called on Nigerian girls and young women to reject prostitution and other social vices, urging them instead to pursue education, vocational training and entrepreneurship as sustainable pathways to financial independence and personal fulfillment.

Speaking during an interactive session with young girls in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Mrs. Lawrence expressed concern over what she described as the growing trend of young girls relying entirely on men for their survival, warning that such dependence undermines their potential and limits their ability to contribute meaningfully to society.

Mrs. Lawrence emphasized that empowering girls through education, vocational training and entrepreneurship remains one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty, strengthen families and build a more prosperous society, urging young women across the country to embrace opportunities that will secure their future and enable them to make meaningful contributions to national development.

She stressed that women have indispensable roles to play in nation-building and should strive to become self-reliant through hard work, determination and a positive mindset.

According to her, financially independent women are better equipped to support their families, complement their spouses in building stable homes and provide for their children without waiting solely on their husbands.

Sharing her personal journey to success, the entrepreneur said she rose from humble beginnings through perseverance and legitimate enterprise.

She encouraged young women to believe in their abilities and resist the temptation of seeking quick financial gains through prostitution or other unlawful activities that could destroy their future.

Mrs. Lawrence described prostitution as only a temporary means of survival with long-term social, emotional and economic consequences, insisting that education remains the most reliable route to lasting success and personal development.

She, however, acknowledged that not every young person may have the opportunity to pursue formal education, urging girls in such circumstances to acquire practical vocational skills capable of providing sustainable livelihoods.

She identified hairdressing, fashion designing, baking, makeup artistry, event decoration and other entrepreneurial ventures as viable alternatives that can guarantee financial stability and dignity.

The businesswoman further advised young girls to shun social vices and channel their energy towards acquiring knowledge and productive skills that would earn them respect and economic independence.