— Keynote Address by Her Excellency, Dr Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu

Founder of BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation

Closing Ceremony of BEMORE Summer Bootcamp 2025
All Saints College, Ibadan –  September 6, 2025

Today, we draw the curtain on #BEMOREOYO2025.
It has been two weeks of transformation, two weeks of adjusting to a new environment for many girls who had never before left the comfort of home; two weeks of acquiring knowledge, learning practical skills, and building lifelong friendships.

One of the highlights of this year’s bootcamp was the introduction of flag football by #GRIDIRONGEMS / #BROWNSNIGERIA / #NAFA. It brought colour, excitement, and energy to camp life, while also teaching teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. These are values that I trust the girls will carry with them beyond this camp and into their daily lives.

I remain deeply grateful to the BEMORE faculty, our technical partners—Matrix Lab Technology and Ashdam Solar, as well as the matrons, assistant matrons, and facilitators. Year after year, they pour their hearts and expertise into shaping these shy, naive girls into bold, self-aware, knowledgeable, and skilled young women, all within just two weeks. That, indeed, is the BEMORE magic. That is the BEMORE experience, and it is truly unmatched.

In a very special way, I extend heartfelt thanks to our Chairman and Special Guest of Honour, who honoured our invitation and encouraged our girls with their presence. We are also profoundly grateful to our sponsors. Without their generosity, this life-changing experience would not have been possible.

Equally, my gratitude goes to All Saints College, whose serene and nature-filled environment provided the perfect setting for this bootcamp. Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it gave us peace of mind and a touch of nature’s beauty. We all fell in love with it, and we hope to return here next year.

To my new techy BEMORE Girls, you have successfully passed through the BEMORE oven of transformation. We are proud of what you have become in just two weeks. But remember: your journey has only just begun. You are still learning, still evolving, and we are here to mentor and guide you every step of the way.

Do not hesitate to reach out to your matrons, your Auntie Ambassadors, or even to me, your Grandma, for guidance in your education, career choices, and entrepreneurial pursuits. You are not alone; you have a sisterhood and a support system solidly behind you.

As you return home, I encourage you to put into practice the skills you have acquired. Share your videos, photos, or stories on how you are turning knowledge into income, whether it is make-up and gele-tying for partygoers, or packaging chin chin and peanuts for sale in your schools. These are low-hanging fruits that can set you on the path of financial independence.

With your solar home systems, the impact of BEMORE becomes even more profound. You now have the power to light up your homes, charge your laptops and phones, and even create streams of passive income. Imagine neighbours coming to you to charge their phones, you will not only be solving a problem but also earning money from the sun. That is empowerment, that is innovation, and that is the future we want for you.

And with your brand-new laptops, you are now fully conversant with the computer system. For those of you who will sit for the JAMB exam, you will do so with confidence and without fear of the unfamiliar application. You have the tools, the skills, and the exposure needed to excel.

So, go forth, my BEMORE Girls. Step out boldly, change your world, and let your light shine.

Thank you.