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Mrs. Abimbola Fashola (M) joins other officials of the Nigerian Girl Guides Association to cut its 90th Anniversary cake at Queen's College, Yaba.


Mrs. Abimbola Fashola (L) inspecting handmade dyed clothes during an Exhibition to commemo-rate 90th Anniversary of the Nigerian Girl Guides.

Speeches

Sep 3, 2009 - Merit Award Ceremony Marking The 90th Anniversary Of The Nigerian Girl Guides Association

On behalf of myself, His Excellency, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN Governor of Lagos State and the people of the Centre of Excellence, I congratulate the President, Mrs. Adefemi Taire, the Chief Commissioner and the entire members of the Nigerian Girl Guides Association on this occasion marking the 90th anniversary of this association.

It has indeed been a long and happy journey which we are proud to say started here in Lagos at the Methodist Girls High School in 1919. We salute the vision and courage of those who founded this association and gave it a good foundation upon which it has survived the challenges of development, growth, relevance and sustenance in upholding the vision to enable girls and young women develop their fullest potentials as responsible citizens of the world.

For many of us who had the opportunity of participating actively as a guide in our youthful age, this celebration brings back sweet memories of adventure, exposure to leadership skills, discipline, spirit of unity, community service among others. We remember these past times with great reminiscence in acknowledgement of the valuable role guiding has played in our lives and how all the teachings and trainings have helped in giving us the strength and stability to cope with life challenges especially as women.

As we celebrate 90 years of existence, we need to ask, how much of this legacy are we passing on to the younger generations? How can we encourage and sustain the interest of young girls in guiding? These, I believe constitute the main challenges of girl guiding in the 21st century.

I am happy to note and inform you that in Lagos State, the cradle of guiding in Nigeria, steps are already being taken towards addressing these challenges. Not too long ago, the State government under the able leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, took a bold initiative by re-launching voluntary organisations in public schools. Today in Lagos State, pupils and students in public schools are encouraged and motivated to belong to any voluntary organisation of their choice including girl guides association.

As an association, we need to do more in the area of encouraging more of our girls into the fold so that the lofty ideals of guiding can be impacted on them for a better tomorrow.

Once again, I congratulate the leadership and members of the Nigerian Girl Guides Association on this occasion as I also welcome you all to Lagos State, the Centre of Excellence and the cradle of guiding in Nigeria.

Thank you and God bless you all.

Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
First Lady of Lagos State