Young women have been encouraged to recognize their potential and embrace their value as rising leaders in society during the second edition of the ‘Books and Beauty’ Young Women Hangout 2.0 held in commemoration of the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration.
The event, themed “Becoming Her: Identity, Purpose and Excellence,” brought together young female students, graduates, and women from different backgrounds to learn, reflect, connect, and grow. It was organized by the Jos Book Fair and the Campus Missions and Leadership Initiative (CMI), with support from the Ochaworth Leadership and Community Development Initiative.
The programme, which took place at the ASUU Secretariat Hall of the University of Jos Permanent Site, featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, mentoring sessions, and book distribution aimed at inspiring young women to discover their identity and pursue excellence.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Cosmos Nanma urged participants to see themselves as individuals with unique potential waiting to be shaped and expressed.
Using the analogy of a sculptor shaping stone into a masterpiece, Nanma said every woman carries within her the powerful version of who she is meant to become, stressing that achieving such potential requires intentional growth.
“Every one of you seated here carries within her that powerful version of herself — a woman of strength, vision, intelligence and impact. But becoming that woman requires removing doubt, fear and the tendency to compare yourself with others,” she said.
She explained that the journey to becoming a fulfilled woman rests on three interconnected pillars: identity, purpose, and excellence.
According to her, identity forms the foundation of personal development and helps individuals understand their intrinsic worth beyond societal expectations, social media pressures, or external validation.
“Without clarity of identity, individuals are easily influenced by societal expectations and comparisons. True identity comes from understanding your values, strengths and convictions,” she added.
Nanma further stressed that once identity is established, individuals can begin to discover their purpose, which provides direction and meaning to life.
“Purpose transforms talent into contribution and ambition into meaningful impact. It inspires commitment, perseverance and resilience,” she noted.
She also emphasized the importance of excellence, describing it as a commitment to disciplined actions and personal growth rather than perfection.
International Director of the Campus Missions Leadership Initiative and Governor of the Jos Book Fair, Dr. Hankuri Tawus Gaya, who facilitated mentoring conversations and breakout sessions, said the initiative was designed to help young women overcome identity struggles and discover their potential.
He explained that participants received copies of his book, “Becoming Her,” which serves as a guide to personal development.
“The idea of giving them books is that whatever we discuss here for a few hours may be forgotten, but the books will remain with them and continue shaping their lives,” he said.
Gaya noted that the programme was part of activities leading to the Jos Book Fair 2026, an initiative aimed at promoting reading as a tool for peace, personal development, and social transformation.
He explained that the fair has over the years explored themes such as Books as Bridges and Books as Catalysts, while the 2026 edition focuses on “Books as Influencers.”
According to him, campuses were deliberately targeted because they play a major role in shaping the future direction of society.
“The campus shapes the future. If we engage young people while they are still being formed, we are giving direction not just to their lives but to society,” he said.
Also speaking during the event, Mercy Omale, from Ochaworth Leadership and Community Development Initiative, addressed participants on gender-based violence and sexual harassment.
Sharing her personal experience, she encouraged young women to break the culture of silence, understand the concept of consent, and speak up against abuse.
“This generation must fight for dignity and safety with courage,” she said, urging participants to know their worth and build safer communities on campus.
Panel discussants Sally Jerry Wahzhi and Lisa Renret Moses also provided insights on personal development, encouraging young women to cultivate both inner and outer beauty while embracing reading as a pathway to growth and inspiration.
Participants were also introduced to the book Becoming Her, authored by Dr. Gaya, with each attendee receiving a free copy.
The event featured group discussions, mentoring sessions, networking opportunities, and interactive conversations designed to empower participants and inspire them to pursue lives of impact, confidence, and fulfillment.
Organizers described the programme as a rewarding experience and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting reading, leadership development, and positive societal transformation among young people.
