Raquel Kasham Daniel, Nyamekye Wilson, and Peter Baba Yako Awarded at SPARK Conference 2025

The SPARK Conference 2025, organized by The Girls Dignity Foundation, celebrated the courage, resilience, and advocacy of outstanding leaders in girls’ empowerment and community development. Held on December 7, 2025, the event brought together changemakers, entrepreneurs, advocates, and youth leaders from across Nigeria to highlight innovative approaches to leadership, social impact, and community transformation.

The conference featured dynamic sessions, including a fireside chat and interactive panel discussions, where speakers shared personal journeys of overcoming challenges, leading with purpose, and creating sustainable change in their communities. These conversations inspired attendees and reinforced the vital role of advocacy, mentorship, and systemic interventions in improving the lives of girls and young women.

A central highlight of the event was the awards ceremony recognizing individuals who have made exceptional contributions to society. Raquel Kasham Daniel, Executive Director of Beyond the Classroom Foundation, received the Advocacy Award for her tireless work in building systems that strengthen homes, schools, and communities, ensuring that girls are safe, supported, and able to reach their full potential. Through her initiatives, Raquel has consistently demonstrated how strategic advocacy can drive policy change, community engagement, and long-term empowerment for girls.

Nyamekye Wilson was honoured with the Impact Award for her humanitarian leadership across West Africa, particularly through her Humanitarian Leadership Tour and the Dignity for Her Phase 2 Project. Her work has provided menstrual health support, education, and mentorship to vulnerable girls, especially in underserved communities and IDP camps, creating lasting impact and amplifying voices that are often overlooked.

Peter Baba Yako received the Courage Award, recognizing remarkable dedication to community service, social innovation, and fearless leadership in tackling pressing societal challenges. His commitment to creating opportunities and fostering resilience among young people underscores the power of bold action in shaping communities for the better.

The SPARK Conference 2025 also provided a platform for meaningful dialogue on leadership, entrepreneurship, and social transformation. Panelists, including Raquel Kasham Daniel, Mayowa Adegbile, Blessing Ibi, and Emiola Adetunji Mustapha, engaged participants on strategies for creating sustainable impact, the importance of advocacy beyond interventions, and the need for community-centered solutions. Attendees left the conference equipped with practical insights and renewed inspiration to champion the rights and well-being of girls in their own communities.

Tabitha Arenson Abimiku, Convener of the SPARK Conference and Founder of Virtuous Reusable Sanitary Pads, officially launched Dignity for Her Phase 2 during the closing session, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to menstrual equity and the empowerment of girls. She remarked, “This conference is more than an event; it is a movement that strengthens girls, communities, and leaders to rise together with courage and dignity.”

The SPARK Conference 2025 stands as a landmark in advocacy and women’s leadership, reminding all that when leaders champion purpose, courage, and impact, entire communities can flourish.