Christine Otanya Ikoke, the prominent visual storyteller and official photographer at the Delta State Government House, has formally launched the Little Lights Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering self-worth and confidence among adolescent girls.
The foundation made its debut at a government secondary school in Delta State with its flagship initiative, “I AM ENOUGH.” The event served as an emotional bridge between Ikoke’s professional success and her personal journey, as she addressed a hall filled with students about overcoming the same insecurities they face today.
Speaking at the launch, Ikoke noted that the project was born out of a desire to provide the guidance she lacked during her own youth.
“I stood before them, not just as a photographer, but as a girl who once needed to hear the very words I spoke today,” Ikoke shared. “I reminded them that it is okay to dream, that their voices matter, and that they don’t have to shrink to fit into anyone’s expectations.”
The atmosphere turned electric as students joined in unison for group affirmations, chanting slogans such as “I AM POWERFUL” and “I AM ENOUGH.”
While the foundation has been a long-held dream, Ikoke admitted that the demands of her career at the Government House had previously delayed its kickoff. She described the launch as a personal victory, not only for the foundation but for her own growth, as she had to overcome a significant fear of public speaking to deliver her message.
“Purpose doesn’t wait for perfect timing; it just needs courage,” she remarked. “Growth is uncomfortable, but necessary.”
The Little Lights Foundation aims to implement a multi-faceted approach to empowerment, utilizing:
Visual Storytelling Workshops: Teaching girls to own their narratives.
Sustaining the “I Am Enough” message across the region. Ikoke confirmed that this inaugural event is the first of many planned across Delta State. “This is just the beginning,” she said. “We’re dreaming bigger and reaching farther.”
