National Girls Leadership Essay Competition, 2025
To mark the International Day of the Girl Child 2025, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Federal Ministry of Education, and the Girl Youth Reform Initiative of Nigeria (GYRIN), is hosting a national essay competition designed to celebrate, recognize, and empower young Nigerian girls.
Theme: “The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis”
This year’s theme highlights the strength, leadership, and vital contributions of girls during times of crisis be it within their homes, schools, or communities. It aims to inspire young girls to share their personal stories and express how they are creating positive change despite the challenges they face.
Insight into the Competition
The IDG 2025 National Girls’ Leadership Essay Competition is a platform created to ignite the voices of young female trailblazers, empowering them to showcase their courage, creativity, and vision for change. Through powerful storytelling, participants will highlight their leadership journeys, problem-solving skills, and bold ideas for shaping a brighter, more inclusive Nigeria.
Who Can Participate
- Must be a female Nigerian citizen.
- Must be between 10 and 20 years old.
This competition is exclusively designed for young Nigerian girls within this age range, with the aim of nurturing youth leadership, amplifying female voices, and fostering personal growth and development
Awards and Opportunities
The competition provides more than material rewards; it serves as a platform for leadership development, visibility, and recognition.
The 1st Prize winner will take on the esteemed role of Shadow Minister for Youth Development for 24 hours, a unique chance to experience governance and policy-making at the federal level. In addition, the Top 3 Winners will be awarded cash prizes and granted exclusive invitations to the Girls Future Conference (GFC2025), a premier event dedicated to nurturing and strengthening the leadership potential of young girls across Nigeria.
How to Apply
If you are interested and meet the eligibility requirements, kindly visit the Federal Government of Nigeria’s application portal via: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPM1_skVM2Ga_li_VdCOM37U4QY1urv5rMF_SySZVK78QQLQ/viewform to submit your entry.
Application Deadline
28th September, 2025
