By Christy Emeka
IBADAN, August 24, 2026 — Founder of the BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation, Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has welcomed participants to the 2026 BEMORE Summer Bootcamp in Ibadan, assuring the girls and their parents of a safe, impactful and transformative experience.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu, who could not attend the opening ceremony physically because of her ongoing campaign activities in Owerri, said she was present with the girls “in spirit,” urging them to use the opportunity to learn, explore, build friendships and discover their potential.
In her welcome address at the opening ceremony of #BEMOREOYO2026, the BEMORE founder assured parents and guardians that their daughters were in safe hands under the supervision of experienced matrons and the camp management team.
She particularly commended the Chief Matron, Mrs Kelechi Igboegwu, alongside the assistant matrons, resource persons and other members of the camp management for their commitment to the girls’ wellbeing.
‘Women and Girl-Child Development Is a Key Pillar’
A key focus of Anyanwu-Akeredolu’s address was the importance of investing in women and girls.
The Labour Party candidate for the House of Representatives, Owerri Federal Constituency, said her current political activities had not weakened her commitment to women and girl-child development, describing the issue as one of the key pillars of her manifesto.
She stressed that empowering girls and educating women were essential to strengthening families, communities and society.
According to her, her vision for women and girls goes beyond geographical boundaries, noting that the advancement of the girl-child should be regarded as a national responsibility.
“Whether you are from Imo, Oyo, Ondo, Lagos, Kano, Rivers, or any other part of Nigeria, you are all our girls,” she said.
She explained that the philosophy was at the heart of the BEMORE initiative, which seeks to raise a generation of confident, knowledgeable, innovative and responsible young women.
Girls Undergo Medical Screening
As part of activities at the bootcamp, the girls also underwent comprehensive medical screening upon arrival.
The health assessment included height and weight measurements, vital signs and blood tests for blood group and genotype, pregnancy, hepatitis and malaria.
The organisers said the screening was intended to establish the girls’ general health status, ensure they were fit for camp activities and support the early identification of health concerns requiring further attention.
A healthy girl, the foundation noted, is better positioned to learn, innovate, lead and thrive.
Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Commends Partners
The BEMORE founder also expressed appreciation to the foundation’s technical partners, sponsors and supporting organisations for their continued investment in the development of Nigerian girls.
She specifically acknowledged Ashdam Solar and Matrix Technologies for their technical partnership and support in exposing the girls to practical knowledge in technology, renewable energy and innovation.
She also appreciated:
– Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA)/BROWNS
– Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Foundation (OAF)
– Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation (BAAF)
– Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN)
According to her, the support of the organisations would help create opportunities, build capacity and prepare the girls to become future leaders, innovators, problem-solvers and agents of positive change.
‘Your Safety, Education and Dreams Matter’
Addressing the girls directly, Anyanwu-Akeredolu urged them to embrace every opportunity available to them during the bootcamp.
She encouraged them to ask questions, build friendships, respect their matrons and resource persons, work together and step outside their comfort zones.
“You have been given an opportunity to become MORE,” she told the girls, urging them to leave the camp “better, stronger, wiser and more confident” than when they arrived.
She further assured the participants that despite her campaign activities in Owerri, her commitment to their development remained unwavering.
“While ADA OWERE is busy campaigning in Owerri, never forget that you are still under my watch, my care and my vision for a better Nigeria,” she said.
The BEMORE founder formally welcomed the girls to #BEMOREOYO2026, praying that the bootcamp would be safe, impactful, transformative and unforgettable.
The BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation is focused on nurturing the whole girl by combining health, education, confidence-building, technology, skills development and leadership training.
#BEMOREOYO2026 #BEMORE #BettyAnyanwuAkeredolu #AdaOwere #EmpoweredGirls #GirlsEducation #GirlChildDevelopment #FutureLeaders
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