By: Odeh Ramon, Yenagoa.

A non-profit organisation known as Thriving Hopes Development Initiatives (THDI) has celebrated the world Zero to Discrimination day with enlightenment on the Power of Choice for Youths and adults in Bayelsà State.

According to the Team leader and Founder of the Thriving Hopes Development Initiatives, Miss Grace Asah pointed out that the Thriving Hopes Development Initiatives is a dynamic, impact-driven organisation committed to promoting public health, advancing education, and addressing gender-based violence through community engagement, advocacy, and empowerment programs.

She said the decision to organise the Power of Choice Initiative, 2026 was informed by the problem faced by youths and adults in making important decisions that can shape their health, relationships, education and future.

Asah pointed out that unfortunately for many of these persons, they do not have the right information,guidance or support to make informed choices.

“The power of choice program was created to empower young people with the knowledge, confidence and awareness they need to make responsible decisions and build a better future around their careers, morals, social and mental health etc.”

The President of the National Association of Women Against Gender based Violence, Barr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, who delivered a key note lecture titled “Know Your Rights: Standing Against Gender Based Violence and discrimination”, urged the youths in the state against any act of discrimination and for them to speak out if they abused.

Barr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, who is also the Founder of the Do Foundation, also offered reasons why the incidence of abuse and violence against the girl child and women persist despite campaigns by civil society groups and the State Government.

According to Barr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, the families of the affected persons and the perpetrators always collude to settle out of court and turned a supposed criminal act into a family affairs.

Barr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, while addressing participants including students of Spring bloom International school, Tare Pet Montessori School, undergraduates of Niger delta university(NDU) and Federal University of Technology, Otuoke, pointed out that the lack of proper awareness, weak law enforcement poverty and lack of proper choices have most times weaken the resolved of victims to pursue the fight against perpetrators of violence against the girl child.

She however said such factors have heightened the resolve of various Organisations involved in the fight against gender based Violence to increase awareness campaigns in the state.

Speakers at the event, the President of the Haven Leadership and Development Organisation, Pastor Flourish David, Founder of Girl in Tech Initiative, Miss Theresa Briseimo and Public Health Professionals, Nurse Pelesai Faustina and Blessing Edaferuake urged those present to make informed choices in the area of health,career and spiritual decisions that affect their lives and the future.

While Founder of Girl in Tech Initiative, Miss Theresa Briseimo spoke on a topic titled “Digital Choice,Digital Consequences”, cautioning the teenage boys and girls on the dangers of the social media and it’s advantages.

Public Health Professional, Nurse Pelesai Faustina urged the youths not to be carried away by the freedom of choices and be vigilante against unwanted pregnancies and other social vices.