It is October 11 and this year’s theme for The International Day of the Girl Child is “Vision for the Girl Child,” and this is coming just at the right time.
Growing up, the average girl child had a vision and so many grew up deviating from that vision due to many challenges.
But then, in Nigeria today, some women have been able to turn their dreams and vision into reality with support and determination.
To mark this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, here are some inspiring young Nigerian women who envisioned their paths early on and are now leading successful careers, blazing trails for the next generation of girls.
Hilda Baci – Guinness World Record Breaker
Hilda Baci, a Nigerian chef, captured the world’s attention by setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon, cooking for 100 hours straight. She was the girl child who had a vision to showcase Nigerian cuisine on the global stage, and through perseverance, she achieved this extraordinary feat, inspiring countless young women in the process.
Funke Akindele – Actress, Filmmaker, and Politician
You can’t mention top filmmakers in Nigeria without Funke Akindele. She has been in the game for years and is still killing it decades after. She’s one woman who understands that when it comes to her vision, the sky isn’t just the limit, it is a stepping stone.
Ayra Starr – Superstar
Ayra Starr, is another perfect example of the girl child who had a vision and is breaking records while achieving it. With her debut single “Away”, she immediately grabbed attention, and her album *19 & Dangerous* solidified her place as a music icon. Today, she’s making waves in the male-dominated Afrobeat industry, and her influence globally is the best next thing.
Tems – Global Music Sensation
Temilade Openiyi, known as Tems, is also leaving her mark on the global music scene with her music. She’s one girl who was able to transition from the usual 9-5er to a global music sensation. She’s the prefect example of being able to achieve whatever you want to if you are determined.
Esther Nneka Nnanna – Translator, Learning Coach
Nneka started out as what some will call a Lee Min Ho ‘fan girl’ to become a professional translator. Her love for the Korean actor led her to learn the language and today, she works with a Korean government agency as a research analyst.
She’s also a translator, learning coach and an influencer for Korean hair products and skincare brands. Nneka had a vision and today she is rewriting the script on global perceptions by being a Nigerian woman who is excelling in Asian language as described by Document Women.
Veekee James – Fashion Designer, Singer and Entrepreneur
Veekee James is also up there leading the queue of Nigerian girls who are excelling and bringing their vision to life. She learnt fashion design from her mother at a very young age. Today, she has been able to use that talent to become a game-changer when it comes to Nigerian fashion
Ayelabola Ololade – Model, Entrepreneur
Ayelabola Ololade had a vision to become a model but she was met with some setbacks. Instead of accepting defeat, this young student decided to take the bull by the horns and attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest distance walked on a catwalk by a model set by Irish models Robert Brown and Lorraine McCourt on 21 September 1983.
Marylove Edwards – Tennis Player
Marylove Edwards is a young girl who quickly became a tennis sensation and has been making waves in both national and international circuits. She had a vision from a very young age and she’s fast becoming a role model for young Nigerian girls interested in sports.
Rasheedat Ajibade
Nigerian footballer Rasheedat Ajibade aka girl with the blue hair, has defied so many norms to become the professional she is today. She started playing from a very young age and has represented Nigeria at under-17, under-20 and senior national team. She currently plays for the Spanish Liga F club Atlético Madrid and is changing the narrative of Nigerian women in football one goal at a time.
These incredible women show us that every girl child can achieve their dreams with the right determination and encouragement. On this International Day of the Girl Child, we hope their stories do not only inspire you but serve as a testament to the endless possibilities that await girls in Nigeria and beyond.
