As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2026 on March 8, a day set aside globally to recognize the achievements of women and advocate for gender equality, the Chief Executive Officer of the Harrison Alonge Foundation and France-based business mogul, Harrison Olaniyi Alonge (HOA), has called for increased empowerment and educational opportunities for women and the girl-child in Ekiti State and across Nigeria.
In a statement released through his media aide, Comrade Olawale Ogunyebi, and made available to journalists in Ado‑Ekiti to commemorate the occasion, Alonge emphasized that empowering women and investing in the education of schoolgirls remain crucial steps toward building a more inclusive and prosperous society.
According to him, when women are given access to quality education, economic opportunities, and leadership roles, communities and nations experience sustainable growth and development.
He noted that the theme of International Women’s Day this year, widely promoted as “Give to Gain,” encourages individuals, organizations, and governments to support women through resources, opportunities, and mentorship, stressing that empowering women ultimately benefits the entire society.
Alonge therefore urged government agencies, private institutions, and community leaders to prioritize policies and programs that promote women’s empowerment, protect the rights of women and girls, and ensure access to quality education for the girl-child, especially in rural communities.
He also called for greater collaboration among stakeholders in Ekiti State to provide scholarships, vocational training, and mentorship initiatives that will enable young girls to develop their talents and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The philanthropist further reaffirmed the commitment of the Harrison Alonge Foundation to initiatives that support women and children through education, empowerment programmes, and community development projects.
Alonge concluded by celebrating the resilience, achievements, and invaluable contributions of women across Ekiti State, Nigeria, and the world, encouraging them to continue striving for excellence while inspiring future generations of girls to dream bigger and achieve more.
“When we empower women and educate the girl-child, we build stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger nation,” he said.
Happy International Women’s Day to all women in Ekiti, Nigeria, and across the world.
