A Christian group, When Women Pray, and non-governmental organisation, She Legacy Girls, have counselled 105 girls aged between 10 and 17 on maturity, personal safety and other challenges associated with growing up.

The advice was given during a girls’ summit held in Kwara State, where the participants were encouraged to understand their worth, make informed decisions and speak out against danger or wrongdoing.

Founder of She Legacy Girls, Olayinka Ajani Ajibade, popularly known as Omidan Olayinka, said the summit was organised to educate, empower and enlighten young girls while equipping them with the confidence to protect themselves and pursue their aspirations.

Ajibade urged parents to build strong friendships with their daughters, saying an open and trusting relationship would make it easier for young girls to discuss challenges they encounter.

She warned parents against creating an atmosphere of fear at home, noting that children who perceive their parents as threats may be reluctant to disclose problems or seek help.

"Let them be best friends so that the girls are able to open up whenever they are facing challenges or need to speak up. These girls are facing a lot in this generation, and we cannot lie about that," she said.

According to her, many girls continue to struggle with feelings of inadequacy due to societal pressure, stressing that the programme was designed to help them recognise their value and develop the confidence to use their voices.

She said the organisation had previously reached families, mothers and children through a weekly women’s programme on Diamond 88.7FM, but the summit represented its first major physical engagement specifically targeted at girls.

Ajibade explained that the 10 to 17 age bracket was deliberately selected because girls within the age range could better understand discussions around health, education and personal safety.

She added that plans were already underway for a second edition targeted at children between five and nine years.

Also speaking, the President of When Women Pray, Kwara State chapter, Esther Ayodeji, emphasised the importance of prayer in the development of young people.

Ayodeji encouraged the girls to cultivate the habit of praying and giving thanks to God daily, describing prayer as an important foundation for personal development and the future.

"When you know how to pray from a formative age, you will go far in life," she said, urging the participants to make prayer a consistent part of their lives.

She added that prayer could help young people remain grounded, prepared and focused as they navigate the challenges of growing up.