12/10/2025
MAN O’ WAR NIGERIA, OYO STATE COMMAND CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD WITH A LEADERSHIP AND PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION:
Empowering Voices, Inspiring Change;
Man O’ War Nigeria, Oyo State Command, Female Squad Unit, joined the world to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child with a leadership and public speaking competition held at the Man O’ War Conference Hall, Army Children School, Iwo Road, Ibadan.
The event, themed “The Girl I Am: Using My Voice and Education to Lead the Change I Want to See in My School, My Community, and My Nation,” aimed at empowering young girls to utilize their voices and education as instruments for leadership and societal transformation. This initiative aimed Man O’ War Nigeria’s continuous commitment to community development and youth empowerment through civic and moral education.
The program featured participation from four notable secondary schools, TMM Secondary School, Love Foundation College, Oyinlola Comprehensive School, and Yetab High School, each represented by ten students and a teacher. It provided a platform for the girls to express themselves, showcase their talents, and imbibe leadership values that inspire confidence and responsibility.
Distinguished guests and senior officers graced the occasion, including the National Commander, NC Adedamola Gbenga (MIPM, MSS, MSR), ably represented by ANC AbdulSemiu Oluwafemi Sanni, Chief of Staff to the National Commander; MC Yekeen Lukman O, State Commander; Comdr Okadonor Austen, and other dignitaries. Their presence reinforced the organization’s support for girl-child education and leadership development.
The competition was assessed by a panel of judges comprising DMC Olasupo Sunday, ASM Agboola Ifeoluwa, and Pat Adepoju Samson, all seasoned officers with expertise in public communication and leadership assessment. Participants delivered speeches in two phases; a 7-minute main presentation and a 3-minute summary, where they passionately addressed the theme, articulating perspectives on leadership, self-discovery, and societal change. They were evaluated based on clarity, confidence, composure, content, and overall presentation.
In her welcome address, SM Salako Azeezat Olanrewaju, Officer-in-Charge of the Female Squad Unit, expressed profound appreciation to the State Commander for his support for female inclusion in Man O’ War activities. She explained that the competition was strategically designed to build self-esteem, encourage self-expression, and empower young girls to become proactive contributors to nation-building. According to her, “Every girl child has a voice that deserves to be heard, and through platforms like this, we help them discover their potential to lead.”
While the judges compiled the results, participants engaged in interactive sessions on Safe School Practices, Personal Hygiene, and Leadership Influence. Patriot Alatise Adeyemi delivered an inspiring motivational talk, urging the students to pursue excellence, stay focused on their dreams, and uphold discipline and integrity in all endeavors.
After a keenly contested and inspiring competition, Love Foundation High School emerged as the overall winner, receiving a cash prize of ₦50,000, while Oyinlola Comprehensive School came second with ₦30,000, and TMM Secondary School took third place with ₦20,000. Yetab Comprehensive School came fourth and was commended for their impressive performance and teamwork.
Each participant received a school bag, sanitary pads, mathematical set, pair of socks, water bottle, and a customized notebook as tokens of encouragement. Certificates of participation were also presented to all participating schools in recognition of their dedication and active involvement in promoting education and leadership development among girls.
A memorable highlight of the event was the ceremonial decoration of Miss Oyetunji Mercy, the overall winner from Love Foundation High School, as the State Commander of Man O’ War Nigeria, Oyo State Command, for a day. She symbolically assumed command responsibilities, performed official duties, and was later escorted back to her school in the official command vehicle, an inspiring gesture that demonstrated leadership in action and left a lasting impression on all attendees.
In his closing remarks, MC Yekeen Lukman O, the State Commander, commended the Female Squad for their innovation and commitment to girl-child development. He emphasized that empowering the girl child is essential to building a balanced and progressive society, reiterating the Command’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote leadership, discipline, and civic responsibility among youths.
The event concluded with a group photograph session capturing moments of joy, pride, and unity among students, officers, and guests. The competition not only celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child but also reaffirmed the belief that when girls are given the right platform and encouragement, they can lead meaningful change in their schools, communities, and the nation at large.
Signed
AMC Adebiyi Ademiluyi, JP, FCSS,
Public Relations Officer,
Man O’ War Nigeria,
Oyo State Command