BEMORE STEM+E Bootcamp Kicks Off in Ibadan

….BEMORE Initiative Bridges Gender Gap in STEM – Youth Minister

….Odu’a Investments, WE Africa, Okitipupa Oil Palm, and Others Pledge Continued Support

The BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation, founded by the immediate past First Lady of Ondo State, Chief (Dr.) Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has launched its 7th annual STEM+E Summer Bootcamp for Girls in Ibadan, Oyo State. The two-week program, held at Lead City International School, Jericho, Ibadan, welcomed over 100 girls, sponsored by individuals and corporate organizations from Oyo and Ondo States.

A Vision for Sustainability

In her keynote address, titled “BEMORE: It’s About YOU and My Granddaughter, JOJO,” Chief Anyanwu-Akeredolu reaffirmed the initiative’s long-term vision to empower girls in STEM and entrepreneurship. She emphasized that hosting the boot camp in Oyo State for the first time reinforces its sustainability, dispelling any notion that the initiative was tied to the Ondo State government.

“That we pulled off #BEMOREOYO2024 is simply remarkable, as not a few thought that BEMORE had gone with the wind.”

She highlighted that BEMORE has never been a government program and remains committed to advancing gender equality in STEM, equipping young girls with the skills needed to thrive in a knowledge-driven world.

Breaking Barriers for Girls in STEM

Reflecting on her journey, she shared how growing up in Emeabiam, Owerri West, Imo State, fueled her passion for breaking gender barriers. She described BEMORE as a movement designed to challenge misogyny in Nigerian society by proving that technological skills are not exclusive to men.

Since its inception in 2017, the program has trained over 3,000 girls across Nigeria and the Diaspora, many of whom are now paying it forward by mentoring others.

“BEMORE was conceptualized to achieve a purpose—the advancement of the girl-child, trained and mentored to compete in a knowledge-based economy.”

Inclusion and Expansion

BEMORE continues to champion inclusivity, welcoming girls with hearing impairments since 2022. This year, six hearing-impaired girls—four from Oyo and two from Ondo—are part of the program.

Chief Anyanwu-Akeredolu assured the new cohort that their two-week boot camp experience would be transformative, equipping them with essential life and technical skills.

“Your parents will barely recognize you after two weeks.”

She expressed gratitude to matrons, ICT and Solar partners, and corporate sponsors who have supported the initiative since its inception.

Government and Corporate Endorsements

The Minister of State for Youth Development, Hon. Olawande Ayodele Wisdom, commended the initiative, emphasizing the need for female empowerment in economic development. He praised Chief Anyanwu-Akeredolu’s unwavering dedication to making young girls future technological leaders.

Several corporate sponsors pledged continued support, including:

Odu’a Investments – CEO Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa encouraged the girls to seize the opportunity and called on wealthy individuals to support the initiative.
WE Africa Limited – MD Mr. Oluwatoyin Olaife affirmed an annual commitment to BEMORE, acknowledging its success and impact.
Okitipupa Oil Palm Limited – Representative Mr. Taiwo Adewole announced a long-term investment in BEMORE, inspired by its transformative potential.

The event featured highlights such as a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) demonstration by the Red Cross Society and inspiring testimonies from BEMORE alumnae.

A Brighter Future for Girls in STEM

With #BEMOREOYO2024 making strides in bridging the gender gap in STEM, the initiative is set to continue breaking barriers, fostering innovation, and shaping the next generation of female leaders.

News Credit: JATS Communications Ltd.