IBADAN, OYO STATE — August 28, 2026: The BEMORE Empowered Girls Summer Bootcamp 2026 is providing a new generation of Nigerian girls with a comprehensive platform to acquire digital skills, develop leadership capacity, promote healthy living and explore opportunities in technology and renewable energy.
The programme whose founder is Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, is running from August 23 to September 5, 2026.
It brings together girls aged 12 to 18, equipping them with knowledge, confidence, practical skills and the mindset required to become future leaders, innovators and change-makers.
The bootcamp has so far combined health screening, physical fitness, digital literacy, leadership development, gender awareness, sustainable development education and renewable energy training.
Day 1: Prioritising the Health and Wellbeing of the Girls
The bootcamp commenced with comprehensive medical screening for participants upon arrival.
The health assessment included height and weight measurements, vital signs and blood tests for blood group, genotype, pregnancy, hepatitis and malaria.
The screening was designed to establish the general health status of the girls and ensure their wellbeing throughout the programme, while also providing an opportunity for the early identification of health concerns requiring further attention.
The initiative reflects the organisers’ belief that the wellbeing of every girl is fundamental to her ability to learn, innovate, lead and thrive.
Day 2: Building Healthy Bodies and Disciplined Minds
Day 2 began with early morning exercises, with the girls participating in stretches, warm-ups and physical fitness activities.
Beyond physical exercise, the routine was designed to instil discipline, consistency, teamwork and responsibility for personal health.
The morning exercise was followed by breakfast, with the participants served bread, tea and fruits to provide the nourishment and energy needed for the day’s activities.
The organisers emphasised that empowering the girl child goes beyond academics and STEM education, requiring attention to physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing.
Day 3: Connecting Young Girls with Global Challenges
Day 3 featured an insightful session on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), facilitated by Christianah Madu, a BEMORE alumna from the 2018 cohort.
The session introduced the girls to the 17 SDGs and highlighted the role individuals, including young girls, can play in addressing global and community challenges.
Christianah encouraged the participants to identify problems within their homes, schools and communities and develop practical solutions that can create positive change.
Her return as a resource person several years after participating in the programme also demonstrated the impact and continuity of the BEMORE initiative, with former participants now contributing to the development of a new generation.
ICT Training Opens New Possibilities
The girls also commenced their Information and Communication Technology training with Matrix Technologies, BEMORE’s technical partner since 2017.
Led by Michael Oyediran, the introductory session exposed participants to computers, digital technology and the opportunities available within the technology sector.
The training is aimed at helping the girls develop practical digital competencies while encouraging them to see technology as a tool for innovation, problem-solving and future career development.
Renewable Energy Takes Centre Stage
The BEMORE Girls also began their journey into renewable energy through a Solar Energy class facilitated by Dr. Damilola Asaleye of Ashdam Solar, another long-standing technical partner of the programme.
The session introduced participants to climate change, renewable energy and the importance of transitioning towards cleaner and more sustainable sources of energy.
The girls were encouraged to see themselves as future innovators and problem-solvers capable of contributing to solutions in energy, climate and environmental sustainability.
Day 4: Deepening ICT Skills and Developing Future Leaders
Day 4 continued the intensive learning programme with advanced sessions in ICT, leadership and physical fitness.
The ICT session, facilitated by Mr. Michael Oyediran, built on the knowledge acquired during previous classes and focused on practical digital skills, sustainable technology use, innovation and problem-solving.
The girls participated in an interactive question-and-answer session designed to test their understanding and ability to apply the concepts they had learned.
Their responses demonstrated growing confidence and improved understanding of digital technology, reinforcing the importance of practical and interactive learning.
Women Leaders as Role Models
The ASHDAM SOLAR Academy team subsequently led a leadership session facilitated by Precious, an ASHDAM-trained expert.
The session focused on the theme “Leadership” and introduced the girls to the stories and contributions of influential women in entrepreneurship, public service, technology, literature and other fields.
Among the women profiled as case studies were Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, founder of BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation; Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States; Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization; Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia; Dr. Damilola Asaleye, founder of ASHDAM SOLAR Academy; renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; and business leader Folorunsho Alakija.
Their stories were used to demonstrate that leadership is not merely about occupying positions of authority but about service, resilience, value creation, influence and the ability to leave a lasting legacy.
To make the lesson practical, the girls were divided into their respective SDG groups for a debate and presentation exercise.
Each group selected two representatives to discuss leadership, role modelling, authority and management, as well as how these concepts can contribute to societal development.
At the end of the presentations, SDG 4 emerged as the overall winner with 10 marks. The winning representatives were Udevi Sharon and Oyegoke Aminat, both from Lagos.
Flag Football Promotes Fitness and Teamwork
The day’s activities continued into the evening with a sports fitness session led by the Nigeria America Football Association (NAFA).
The activity, tagged “Flag Football Exercise,” was led by Miss Nancy Damhindi, Vice President of NAFA, and her team.
The girls participated in fitness drills designed to improve endurance, teamwork, coordination, discipline and strategic thinking.
The exercise further reinforced the BEMORE philosophy of developing well-rounded girls whose growth encompasses academic achievement, physical fitness, teamwork and personal discipline.
Day 5: Digital Competence, SGBV Awareness and Renewable Energy Practicals
Day 5 brought together digital education, social awareness and practical renewable energy activities.
The day began with morning exercise and an introduction to Taekwondo, followed by breakfast before the girls proceeded to their classes.
The ICT session, facilitated by Mr. Bodunrin Olalekan Caleb, focused on Microsoft Excel, exposing participants to the spreadsheet application’s components, functions and practical applications.
The girls learned how Excel can be used in schools, offices and businesses for data management, budgeting and analysis, giving them an additional digital skill that can support their future academic and professional pursuits.
The programme subsequently addressed an important social issue through a workshop on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), facilitated by Temilola Tomoloju, a BEMORE alumna.
The session examined the meaning and different forms of SGBV, its root causes, power dynamics and the legal consequences for perpetrators.
Participants were also taught practical ways to protect themselves and support victims of abuse, with discussions encouraging them to become advocates for safety, dignity and respect in their schools and communities.
Renewable Energy Learning Goes Practical
The afternoon session returned to renewable energy through the Ashdam Solar Academy, where the girls explored the value of renewable energy to society and the environment.
Participants learned how solar and other clean energy sources can contribute to addressing electricity challenges while creating new opportunities and green jobs for young people.
The theoretical lesson was followed by a practical team challenge tagged “MARSHMALLOW.”
Working within their respective SDG groups, the girls demonstrated creativity, planning, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
At the end of the challenge, SDG 5 emerged as the overall winner, SDG 2 came second, while SDG 1 took third place.
The competition provided another opportunity for the participants to apply lessons from the programme while strengthening teamwork, leadership and healthy competition.
Building the Leaders of Tomorrow
The first five days of BEMOREOYO2026 have combined education, practical skills acquisition, physical development, social awareness and character building.
The programme’s holistic approach seeks to prepare the participants not only for academic success but also for the realities of a rapidly changing world where digital competence, leadership, innovation, sustainability and confidence are increasingly important.
As the bootcamp continues, the BEMORE Girls are being encouraged to look beyond the present and envision themselves as future female leaders, technology innovators, entrepreneurs, renewable energy advocates and community change-makers.
The organisers expressed appreciation to the tutors, facilitators, technical partners, matrons, media team and other stakeholders supporting the programme.
Special recognition was given to Chief Matron Mrs. Kelechi Igboegwu and her team for their guidance and care, Resources Manager Miss Nonye Okafor, the media team headed by Mr. Rowland, and all individuals whose contributions continue to make the BEMORE experience educative, inspiring and transformative.
With several days of the programme still ahead, the BEMOREOYO2026 experience continues to demonstrate that when girls are given the right knowledge, tools, mentorship and opportunities, they can become powerful contributors to the future.
Discover more from NATIONAL BEAM
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
