In commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child (IDG), Nigeria’s Ministry of Women Affairs has recognised ten outstanding Nigerian girls for their exceptional accomplishments in the fields of education, innovation, sports, and technology.
This recognition forms part of the initiative titled “Amazing Nigerian Kids Spotlight.”
The initiative, envisioned under the visionary leadership of the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, celebrates the brilliance and resilience of Nigerian children whose ideas, innovations, and achievements are inspiring change and redefining excellence across diverse sectors.
“The Girl-Child is the pivot of this transformation. Her empowerment is the cornerstone of our shared humanity,” she said.
It is designed to celebrate, empower, and amplify the stories of children aged 17 and below, showcasing their creativity, courage, and leadership potential while encouraging families, schools, and communities to nurture talent and foster innovation.
The initiative also aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises investment in human capital as a foundation for national growth and sustainable development through education.
“Education must remain our most potent weapon against poverty and vulnerability, for when a girl is educated, she not only transforms her life, but rewrites the story of her family and community,” the Minister affirmed.
Celebrating Nigeria’s Rising Stars
Leading the honourees is 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu from Yobe State, who emerged Overall Best in English at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London. Competing against more than 20,000 students from 69 countries, Nafisa’s victory earned her international acclaim as a young English language prodigy and shone a global spotlight on Nigeria’s education standards.
Also from Yobe, 15-year-old Rukayya Muhammad Fema distinguished herself as the World’s Overall Best Student in Debate at the same competition. Her win demonstrated eloquence, confidence, and critical reasoning; qualities that reflect the depth of Nigeria’s academic and intellectual potential.
Another shining example of youth innovation is 17-year-old Amara Nwuneli, who won the $12,500 Earth Prize for turning a waste-dumping ground into a functional playground using recycled materials. Her work promotes environmental sustainability and urban renewal. Nwuneli announced plans to use the prize money to build three more eco-friendly parks across Nigeria, proving that innovation and social impact can go hand in hand.
In the field of mathematics, 15-year-old Faith Odunsi captured international attention after emerging World Best Mathematician at the Global Mathematics Competition, outperforming peers from China, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Likewise, 15-year-old Fatima Adamu Maikusa from Gombe State received global recognition for winning seven international medals in mathematics competitions, a record that cements her reputation as one of Nigeria’s brightest young minds.
Sporting Excellence and Creative Grit
The Amazing Kids Spotlight also honoured outstanding achievements in sports.
13-year-old Omowonuola Daniele Olanrewaju, a three-time National Youth Games Golf Gold Medallist, was honoured for her exceptional performance and consistency. Starting her sporting journey at age 10, she has dominated the Girls’ Match Play and Stroke Play events at the Games, representing the Federal Capital Territory with distinction.
In gymnastics, 11-year-old Chiwendu Okpanku from Abia State stood out for her courage and global success. She has represented Nigeria at the World Continental Championships in Malta and the African Club Championship in Pretoria, South Africa, where she won five silver medals. Her dedication and discipline continue to inspire other young athletes.
Equally recognised is 11-year-old Amazing-Grace Ahuoyiza Salami, winner of the inaugural Spelling Bee in Nigeria (SpIN) National Championship held in March 2025.
She triumphed over 64 finalists nationwide to become Nigeria’s top speller. Her victory earned her a place at the 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee in the United States, a first for Nigeria in the competition’s century-long history.
Tech Innovators and Global Achievers
In the field of technology, 10-year-old Akachukwu Blessed Nwachukwu and Ifunanya Gabriella Okoye, both from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, emerged global champions at the 2025 Technovation Global Summit (Beginner Division). Competing as Team Appsolute, the young innovators developed “Stay Woke”, an AI-powered mobile app that detects driver fatigue and distraction through facial recognition and voice interaction.
Their innovation beat entries from Japan, Spain, Canada, and Peru to clinch the world title at the competition’s grand finale. The project has positioned Nigeria on the global technology map and underscored the power of early digital education for girls.
Rounding off the list of honourees is Hadiza Kashim Kalli, who earned the Outstanding Talent Gold Medal at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London. Her achievement celebrates academic excellence, creativity, and leadership, qualities that embody the aspirations of the Nigerian child in the 21st century.
A Movement Beyond Celebration
Presenting the award to three of the recipients, the Minister lauded the high achievers, describing them as a source of inspiration to Nigerians.
The Minister, however, charged, “To our girls, I say this from the heart: stand tall, stay focused, and be patient. True beauty lies in purpose, true love in respect, and true power in knowledge. You are enough, and your dreams are valid.”
Stakeholders commended the Ministry for the initiative, emphasising that when Nigeria invests attention, affirmation, and opportunity in its children, it directly invests in its own future.
They called on corporate organisations, educators, and development partners to join in institutionalising recognition for child excellence in line with global standards.
This year’s celebration, themed “The Girl I Am: The Change I Lead, Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” reinforces the importance of empowering girls to lead change, particularly in communities facing social or economic challenges.
The theme also underscores the government’s commitment to nurturing a generation of confident, capable, and globally competitive Nigerian girls.
By honouring these ten extraordinary young achievers, Nigeria not only celebrates excellence but also sends a message of hope that every Nigerian child, regardless of background, holds the potential to lead, create, and transform society.
As the nation commemorates the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, this recognition affirms that when Nigeria lifts its children, it lifts its future; a future built on courage, creativity, and conviction.