Betty Akeredolu empowers 70 girls with laptops, solar systems

The wife of the late former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, through her NGO, BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation, has empowered 70 girls with laptops and home solar systems in Ibadan.

Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the founder of the group, encouraged the girls to make positive impacts in their communities.

During the closing of the summer bootcamp, she highlighted the connection between Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and poverty, stressing the need for girls to achieve financial independence.

She stressed that eliminating feminised poverty, which leads to violence, is crucial, and reiterated the importance of aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by UN member states in 2015.

“These 17 SDGs call for global action to end poverty and improve health, education, and economic growth while addressing climate change and preserving natural resources,” she said.

Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu expressed disappointment over low awareness and inadequate programmes on SDGs despite having dedicated offices and political appointments. She noted that SDGs have been a core part of the BEMORE Summer Bootcamp since its inception in 2017.

She urged the 2024 BEMORE Oyo participants to share their training with other girls who could not attend.

Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Jacinta Opara, Vice Chancellor of Dominican University, encouraged the girls to use their new skills to contribute to global development.

“Remember, you are the architect of your future, and with the skills you’ve acquired, there is no limit to what you can achieve,” Opara said.

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Ayodele Sonubi, represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police Abayomi Akinpelu, praised the programme and stressed investing in youth as a strategic way to secure the nation’s future.