What began nine years ago as the dream of a young woman with only N200 in her account has today evolved into a global movement inspiring, empowering, and educating girls across Nigeria and beyond.
That woman is Ariyike Owolagba, popularly known as Ariyike Dimples, founder of Girls Talk With Ariyike (GTWA) and the Ariyike Owolagba Foundation.
At the GTWA Conference 2025 in Lagos, the hall echoed with stories of resilience, faith, and empowerment. For Ariyike, the event was not just another gathering, it was a living testimony of how determination, vision, and divine purpose can transform a personal struggle into a beacon of hope for others.
“GTWA started after I lost my TV job. At that point, I had only ₦200 in my account, but I heard in my spirit that I should host a conference. That was the seed that birthed this entire journey,” Ariyike recalled.
She reached out to mentors and supporters, including Dr. Moyo Elesho and Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, the first lady of Ogun state, both of whom believed in her vision. Encouraged by her mentor, Pastor Mrs. Kome, Ariyike took the bold step of announcing her first conference online. To her surprise, brands such as Aquafina, Fruitylife, and Omojunwa Foundation came on board to support the cause.
“From that moment, I knew GTWA was bigger than me. It was a divine assignment to create a safe space for women to share ideas, experiences, and support one another,” she said.
GTWA, which began as a small community for young women to talk freely about their struggles and aspirations, has now grown into a registered non-governmental organization (NGO) with a global audience. Its mission is to empower girls through mentorship, education, and skill acquisition, while also promoting emotional and spiritual growth.
Ariyike describes herself as a sent one, someone led by divine instruction rather than ambition. “I don’t do GTWA because I planned to. If God says ‘Go,’ I go. If He says ‘Wait,’ I wait. That is how every conference has been birthed,” she explained.
Over the years, GTWA has sponsored the education of several girls and supported widows through vocational training and community outreach. “In the first nine years, I was doing everything by myself. Now, with partners and global recognition, I know many more girls will get the education and support they need,” she said.
At the 2025 conference, three young women were awarded full scholarships, covering both academic and vocational training. The recipients will also receive mentorship, a crucial part of the GTWA model that ensures every beneficiary is guided to achieve personal and professional growth.
“For every girl under GTWA, I intercede and pray because I know they are in the most defining period of their lives. We want them to not just get education but to also find purpose and value in who they are,” Ariyike said.
GTWA’s approach to empowerment goes beyond financial aid. It emphasizes self-discovery, self-worth, and spiritual grounding, values that Ariyike insists are essential for lasting impact.
While Nigeria has no shortage of NGOs advocating for women and girls, what sets GTWA apart is its deeply personal and faith-driven approach. Ariyike doesn’t see herself as a founder chasing visibility or accolades, she sees herself as a vessel. “I am not competing with anyone. This is a calling. I’ve been passionate about helping girls long before GTWA became a registered foundation. This is my little contribution to the world,” she said.
Through her foundation, she also extends support to widows, providing relief materials and small-scale empowerment initiatives to help them rebuild their lives. Today, GTWA’s message has reached audiences beyond Nigeria’s borders. The movement has been recognized internationally for its innovative blend of faith, mentorship, and practical empowerment. With growing partnerships and visibility, the foundation is poised to impact thousands more women and girls across Africa.
But for Ariyike, the focus remains the same: one girl, one story, one transformation at a time. “It all started with N200 and a vision. That is why I always tell young women never despise small beginnings. God can turn your lowest moment into your greatest assignment,” she stated.
