The founder of the BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation and former First Lady of Ondo State, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has called for greater investment in the empowerment and development of girls, saying that such efforts will ultimately lead to a stronger and more hopeful nation.

Anyanwu-Akeredolu, popularly known as Ada Owere 1, made the call while reflecting on the theme of the International Women’s Day 2026, “Give to Gain.”

According to her, the most impactful investments societies can make are not limited to physical infrastructure or institutions but in the lives of people, especially young girls who represent the future.

“As I reflect on the theme of International Women’s Day 2026 — ‘Give to Gain,’ I am reminded that the most powerful investments we can make are not always in infrastructure or institutions, but in people,” she said.

She explained that empowering girls through education, skills acquisition, and encouragement helps them unlock their potential and contributes to national development.

“Every time a girl discovers her confidence, learns a new skill, or dares to dream bigger than her circumstances, the future quietly changes,” she added.

The former First Lady noted that her experience through the BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation has shown that with the right opportunities, girls can grow into leaders, innovators, and courageous voices in society.

“Through the work of the BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation, I have seen this transformation happen again and again. A shy girl becomes a leader. A curious girl becomes an innovator. A hesitant voice becomes a voice of courage,” she stated.

She described such transformations as seemingly small but significant steps that lay the foundation for a better society.
“These moments may appear small, but they are the seeds of a better society,” she said.

Anyanwu-Akeredolu maintained that empowering girls with opportunities, knowledge, and encouragement would produce far-reaching benefits for the nation.

“And that is why I remain convinced that when we give girls opportunity, encouragement, and knowledge, we gain something far greater — a stronger, more hopeful nation,” she added.