African Girl Guide Launches Year-Round Mentorship Programme for 406 Young Women on International Women’s Day
Oru Leonard
Abuja, March 10, 2026:
The African Girl Guide (AGG) has officially launched its year-round mentorship programme for 406 young women across Africa, marking the initiative as part of the International Women’s Day 2026 celebration themed “Give To Gain.”
The virtual launch, held on March 10, introduced the 406 founding cohort, described as future female leaders who will benefit from a structured mentorship system designed to strengthen leadership capacity, financial intelligence, and governance readiness.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Jindu Peter emphasized that meaningful progress in gender equality requires deliberate action and investment in women.
“Progress is not accidental, it is intentional. When we give mentorship, we gain confident leaders. When we give knowledge, we gain empowered decision-makers,” he said.
According to him, the initiative reflects AGG’s belief that investing in young women multiplies leadership, innovation, and national development.
“The activation of our 406 founding cohort is our commitment to giving structure, support, access, and belief. In return, we will gain a generation of ethical, financially intelligent and governance-ready young women,” Peter added.
The newly launched programme introduces a structured mentorship framework that pairs participants with experienced professionals across sectors such as business, technology, public service, and social impact.
Activities within the programme will include:
Monthly virtual mentorship sessions
Leadership conversations
Career advisory support
Peer learning circles
Organizers say the initiative is designed to keep participants engaged throughout the year, moving beyond a one-off event to a continuous leadership development journey.
The AGG programme will run through a structured annual cycle beginning with the AGG Bootcamp, which focuses on leadership development, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.
Participants will then attend the AGG Meet & Greet, designed to strengthen networking, collaboration, and mentor-mentee relationships.
They will also implement Impact Projects, allowing them to apply the knowledge gained to community initiatives or business ideas.
The programme will conclude with the AGG Leadership Summit, where achievements and impact from participants will be showcased.
A digital community platform will also support continuous engagement, mentorship discussions, knowledge sharing, and access to opportunities.
Encouraging the Next Generation
Delivering a goodwill message during the launch, Mrs. Nabeena Aisha, Assistant Director of Public Communication and National Orientation, encouraged the young women to embrace the opportunity for growth and leadership.
“You are stepping into a space of growth, courage and transformation. May this experience strengthen your voice, deepen your vision and empower you to lead with confidence and compassion,” she said.
She added that the future would be shaped by leaders willing to walk boldly while uplifting others along the way.
The African Girl Guide initiative aims to build a pipeline of confident, skilled and connected women leaders across Africa while opening doors for partnerships that can expand the programme’s reach and impact.
Organizers say the programme reflects a broader global call to challenge stereotypes, amplify women’s voices, and create more opportunities for women to lead and thrive.
“When women thrive, we all rise,” Peter concluded.
Goodwill messages came from Distinguished Partners
• Mr. Ateli Samson, the NYSC Coordinator
• Representative of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
• Prof Hauwa’u Muhammed Mainoma, Head of Department, Education Management Faculty of Education Nasarawa State University
• Ms Colby, Alderwoman and AGG Advisory Board Member
• Assistant Director representing the Federal Ministry of Information – Mrs Nabena Aisha
• Mr Falayi Temitoye.
Assistant Director/ Head
Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB)
Federal Ministry of Information & National Orientation.
• Ms. Morenike Aduke van Jaarsveld, Special Adviser on Communications,
National Security and Intelligence to Distinguished Senator Olubiyi Ajagunnla
Fadeyi of Osun Central.
