The Toinpre Elliona Crawford (CTE) Foundation has officially launched in Bayelsa State with a firm commitment to empowering girls through education, mentorship, and skill development. The event held on Wednesday at St. Jude’s Girls School, Amarata, Yenagoa, in celebration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child.
CTE Founder, Barr. Toinpre Elliona Crawford, a 26-year-old lawyer from Brass Local Government Area, said the foundation focuses on education, health, and rural development. She explained that the initiative was born out of her desire to help young girls believe in their dreams and access opportunities that can shape their future.
She added that the foundation will run mentorship and skill-acquisition programmes and also offer grants to aspiring lawyers who cannot afford law-school fees. Barr. Crawford described this year’s Girl Child Day theme, “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being,” as a reminder that girls’ voices matter and their dreams are valid.
Mrs. Helen Bob, Technical Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Girl Child Development and mother of the founder, praised the initiative. She said girls need the right mentorship and modelling to grow into responsible women, adding that she feels fulfilled seeing her daughter continue the legacy of giving back to society.
Prof. Victor Ayebami Torubeli, Director of Counselling and Human Development at Niger Delta University (NDU), noted that counselling plays a vital role in guiding young girls. He urged the students to set goals, uphold discipline, and stay focused on their values.
Also lending their voices were Comr. Robert Igali, JP, Director-General, Centre for Youth Development; Dr. Barry Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, Founder of Do Foundation and President of the Association of Women Against Gender-Based Violence; and Timipre Tobi Ebiringa, Founder, Voice of the Ijaw Girl Child. They commended the CTE Foundation for its impact and pledged support for future collaborations.
As part of the outreach, the foundation donated ₦350,000 for the repair of a borehole at St. Jude’s Girls School to improve water access. Three students from the New Total Child Academy also received ₦60,000 each for WAEC registration, while Thinkan Favour, from the same school, was awarded a scholarship for her outstanding performance during a quiz session. Students also received reading materials and sanitary pads.
Okio Rejoice, a student of St. Jude’s Girls School and Thinkan Favour from the New Total Child Academy expressed gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries, saying the gesture has inspired them to work harder and pursue their goals.
Highpoint of the event was the cutting of a cake to celebrate the girl child and reaffirm the collective commitment to empowering young women across Bayelsa State.
Photo credit: Closer TV Online
