History was made on December 12, 2024, as a bold step towards building a crime-free society was taken at the Cyprian Ekwensi Center for Arts and Culture, Area 10, Garki, Abuja. The Princess Anita Teens Development Initiative (PATDI) organized the First National Conference on Nigerian Teen Girls, focusing on fostering positive change among teenage girls in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
With the theme, “The Way Forward for Our Teen Girls in the Cyberspace,” the event aimed at addressing the challenges teen girls face online and equipping them with the skills to navigate cyberspace safely and responsibly.
Amb. Princess Anita Umeweni’s Address
In her keynote address, the convener and founder of PATDI, Ambassador Princess Anita Umeweni, highlighted the critical role a crime-free society plays in national development. She noted that such a society attracts investors, fosters sustainable economic growth, and builds a more prosperous nation.
Amb. Umeweni emphasized the importance of early intervention for teenagers, stating that equipping them with proper guidance, counseling, and the right values can shape them into responsible citizens. She acknowledged that, while cyberspace has its merits and demerits, with proper safeguards and education, teens can leverage the digital space for learning and growth.
Notable Dignitaries in Attendance
The event drew an impressive lineup of dignitaries from various sectors of government and civil society, underscoring the significance of the initiative. Some of the prominent attendees included:
- Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Member, House of Representatives, Kosofe Constituency
- Dr. Nanre Emeje, Director, Budget and Planning, FCT
- Hajia Nasifat Kote, Representative of the Chairman, Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB)
- SP (Dr.) Onne, Representative of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun (via the Office of the Force PRO)
- Dr. Baffa Dan Agundi, Director-General, National Productivity Centre (NPC), represented by Hajia Binta Adams, Head of Gender and Quality Assurance, Jabi
- Mr. Osondu, Representative from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
- Mr. Festus Okoro, Representative of Dr. Adamu Gwary, Director, Security Department, FCTA
- Hajia Binta Adams, Head, Gender, Quality Assurance, Jabi
- Madam Amen Apia, Representative from the National Productivity Centre (NPC)
Their presence reflected a shared commitment to the cause of empowering teenage girls and promoting a crime-free society.
Schools in Attendance
The conference was well-attended by students and teachers from 10 junior secondary schools across the FCT. Each school was represented by teachers and a delegation of 10 to 30 students. The schools in attendance were:
- J.S.S. Area 1
- J.S.S. Durumi 1
- J.S.S. Use Zone 4
- J.S.S. Area 11
- J.S.S. Area 10
- J.S.S. Wuse 2
- J.S.S. Karu
- J.S.S. Asokoro
- J.S.S. Wuse Zone 1
- J.S.S. Apo
A Call for Support
Amb. Princess Anita used the occasion to make a passionate appeal to well-meaning Nigerians, stakeholders, and government agencies to support PATDI’s vision. She called for financial assistance and strategic partnerships to ensure the sustainability of this initiative, with the ultimate goal of building a crime-free society within the next 10 years.
Book Presentation: “Teens Character Moulding”
A highlight of the event was the public presentation of Amb. Anita’s new book titled “Teens Character Moulding.” The 82-page book, divided into seven chapters, is a practical guide for both teenagers and parents. It was written specifically for the First National Conference on Nigerian Teen Girls to support the goal of building a crime-free society.
The event marked a major milestone for PATDI and laid the foundation for sustained advocacy on the positive use of cyberspace among Nigerian teens. The call for collaboration and financial support serves as a rallying cry to stakeholders to invest in the future of Nigerian youth. Amb. Anita’s vision of a safe, crime-free society is one that echoes far beyond the walls of the Cyprian Ekwensi Center and into the hearts of all in attendance.
“It is possible! We can achieve it!” — Amb. Princess Anita Umeweni
