By Sylvia Akpan
As part of activities to mark the 2026 International Youth Day, the Girls Power Initiative (GPI), has graduated 25 girls as certified peer educators at its 29th annual graduation and public education ceremony.
The graduation which took place today, 15th August 2026, at the GPI Conference Hall, Anyamurua Estate, Atimbo Road, Calabar, was the organization’s annual graduation and public education ceremony.
The event, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” brought together graduates, parents, guardians, GPI coordinators, government representatives, partners and other stakeholders.
In his welcome address, the Chairperson of the occasion, Mr. Etim Nsa Essien, an Immediate Past President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCCOPSS), urged the graduates to recognize their worth, potential and capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.
Essien distinguished between schooling and education, noting that while schooling provides academic knowledge, education equips individuals with practical knowledge and skills needed to become useful and productive members of society. He encouraged the graduates not to feel inferior because of their educational backgrounds, stressing that vocational and practical skills could provide sustainable livelihoods.
He also stressed the resilience, intelligence and leadership qualities of women, urging the girls to remain confident, courageous and conscious of their roles in their families and communities.
Earlier, the GPI Calabar Coordinator, Comfort Ikpeme, explained that the organization operates a three-level training program aimed at equipping young people with knowledge and skills in personal development, gender, sexuality, feminism, community intervention, gender advocacy and peer education.
According to her, the first level focuses on personal development, including communication skills, self-esteem, body image and pubertal changes, while the second introduces participants to gender, sexuality, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. She said the third level provides advanced training in feminism, community intervention, gender advocacy and peer education.
Ikpeme explained that only beneficiaries who fulfilled the established graduation requirements, including regular attendance, adequate knowledge of the training and participation in social interventions in schools and communities, qualified for graduation.
She urged the beneficiaries to reject gender stereotypes and pursue their chosen careers regardless of their sex, stressing that both men and women have equal opportunities to succeed.
Speaking during an interview, Ikpeme also said the graduation was particularly significant because the 25 graduates had successfully completed the three-year program and met the criteria required to become certified peer educators.
She said the certification would enable the graduates to represent GPI in their communities as change-makers, advocates and champions of the organization’s values.
“We have given them certificates to officially certify them as peer educators, which means they are now free to go out and represent GPI in the wider community,” she said.
Comfort encouraged the graduates to remain connected to GPI, noting that the organization would continue to provide support, collaboration opportunities and avenues for further learning.
The program featured welcome songs, a paper presentation on “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” spoken-word performances, testimonies from graduates, parents and guardians, music, drama, and the presentation of gifts, certificates, among others.
Giving the vote of thanks, a member of the GPI Alumni Association (GAAR), Comfort Umoh, lauded participants for attending the ceremony, congratulated the graduates and urged them to strive to become the best versions of themselves.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of key government institutions, including the Cross River State Ministry of Justice represented by Justina Ogban, the Nigeria Police Force represented by Maurice Bissong, the Ministry of Health represented by Dorcas Antigha, and the Ministry of Youth Development represented by Regina Ogbudu.
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