In a spirited display of tradition and modern environmentalism, the Nigerian chapter of the Olave Baden-Powell Society (OBPS) hosted the Girls Guides Nigeria for a landmark event in Ikoyi aimed at fostering leadership and self-reliance among the nation's young women.
Morning Campfire Tradition
The traditional crackle of an evening campfire was replaced by the morning sun this weekend as the Nigerian Girl Guides Association gathered for an unconventional Campfire Barbecue. The event, held at Bridge House School, served as both a nostalgic nod to a century-old movement and a sharp, modern curriculum in survival for the digital age.
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, herself a former Brownie, delivered a keynote that balanced sentimentality with a pragmatic call to action. Addressing the gathered ranks of Brownies in their earth-toned uniforms and Guides in their signature blue, Dr. Sanwo-Olu argued that the movement's extracurricular activities are increasingly vital for a generation often lost in the ephemeral world of social media.
"We find that some of our children, when you put them in some spaces, they can't survive," the First Lady noted. "But because of these activities that have been on the ground for almost over 100 years in Nigeria, our girls can learn to survive, to tie knots, to light fires with stones, and to teach others about morals and ideals."
Symbol of Unity and Learning
Chief Commissioner of the Nigeria Girl Guides Association, Deaconess Rhoda Thomas, said a campfire is a symbol of unity and learning. "It represents the light of knowledge and the warmth of service. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to empowering young women to become responsible leaders of tomorrow." She added that the decision to hold the campfire in the morning was framed by organizers not as a break from tradition, but as an exercise in the very creativity the movement seeks to instill. "Faced with the logistical and security complexities of contemporary Nigeria, the OBPS chose to adapt a morning campfire," she noted.
Activities and Workshops
The day's activities moved beyond traditional drills into the realms of cultural heritage and environmental sustainability. The grounds featured a paint and sip session, an 'Adire Station' where girls practiced the traditional Yoruba art of indigo dyeing, and a Waste to Reusable Spot where plastic bottles, the scourge of Lagos's waterways, were reimagined as functional objects. Also present at the event was the former First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola.
National Coordinator for OBPS, Mrs. Feyishola Abiru, and the country ambassador, Mrs. Folashade Ogunnaike, emphasized that the organization is working to bring Nigerian guiding up to global standards. "Nigerian girls are not lacking at all; it's just exposure that is needed," Ogunnaike said. She was quick to dismiss misconceptions that the association is tied to a specific faith, noting the presence of girls in hijabs. "It's beyond religion. It's about building character and being a better Nigerian."
Empowering Young Women
For the participants, the day provided a rare sanctuary from the pressures of modern beauty standards. Through the 'Free Being Me' program, facilitators encouraged girls to find pride in their natural selves. Aniki Zaliat, a student from Onilekere Junior High School, exemplified the impact of the day. "I learnt that you don't need to feel bad about yourself," she said, fresh from a session on fire-making. "Always be confident, know that nobody should pressure you or bring you down."
