Young girls demonstrate confidence and leadership at the RENA ShootUp Conference 2025 in Abuja, where experts called for inclusive communication and grassroots support for the girl child
The RENA ShootUp Conference 2025 in Abuja spotlighted the importance of public speaking in shaping girls’ confidence and leadership capacity, with speakers stressing the need for inclusion and early mentoring.
The Rena ShootUp Conference with the theme “Amplifying Our Voice: Building Confidence Through Inclusive Communication,” being the second edition brought together students from public and private schools, as well as girls with disabilities, to share experiences and showcase their potential.
Inclusive Communication
The conference organised by Rena Development Initiative highlights a practical session on sign language led by specialist Patience Etim.
She introduced participants to the basics and stressed its value as a structured language with grammar and syntax.
“Sign language is not just a tool for persons with disabilities; it is a language of inclusion,” she said.
‘One Safe Space for Everyone’
Convener Ruth Onoshiorena Obozeghie, a media relations professional and founder of the RENA ShootUp initiative, said the conference was designed to give girls equal opportunities to speak and lead.
“Inclusion is not about giving them a separate space; it’s about creating one safe space for everyone. The goal is to build the leadership capacity of girls in senior secondary schools, especially those in leadership positions,” she explained.
Jake Epelle: Confidence Starts at Home
Renowned speaker and founder of TAF Africa, Jake Epelle, shared his personal story of overcoming fear and intimidation.
“Expect a butterfly under your stomach, you will be afraid. But the moment you’re given the microphone, see yourself as the best person in the room. Have confidence in yourself and deliver,” he advised.
Epelle linked public speaking to the wider challenge of raising confident girls.
“If a girl is abused or grows up without love at home, it affects her confidence and her ability to stand before people and speak. Confidence starts at home. You must love the girl child at home.”
Girls Speak Their Dreams
Students from Africa Community School, GSS Kuje, Africa International College, and other schools took turns sharing their aspirations, with many expressing dreams of becoming doctors, neurosurgeons, and lawyers.
The public speaking contest tested students on clarity, confidence, originality, voice control, and engagement.
Michelle Francis, who emerged second, expressed gratitude:
“I didn’t get this award by myself—my teachers made me who I am today.”
Ms Muhammad Rukaiya, the overall winner, described her joy at winning first place:
“I never believed I could make it to first position, but today I did.”
RENA ShootUp Calls for deliberate steps
Guests including Mrs. Edith Imosili, representing the Edo State Liaison Office, urged parents and schools to take deliberate steps in empowering girls.
“Building confidence in the girl child is not a tea party affair. Parents must give as much attention to the girl child as they do to the boy child,” she said.
Other speakers such as Hon. Rinsola Abiola Director General, Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre; Pastor Funmi Olubakin of SLC Global, Executive Director, Gender Strategy Advancement International, Ms. Inimfon Etuk, Founder, She Forum Africa emphasized that public speaking is not just about words, but about influence, the ability to advocate, persuade, and inspire change.
Looking Ahead
The RENA SHOOTUP Conference now in its second edition, aims to expand beyond Abuja, equipping girls with public speaking and leadership skills.
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