Wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun has re emphasized her passion and commitment to the care and welfare of the girl child.
Mrs. Abiodun gave this emphasis at the celebration of the International Girl Child Day organized by the Office of the First Lady and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology held at the Cultural Center, Kuto, Abeokuta.
She stated that the present administration had at inception made effort to encourage the girl children in the state and enhance their learning condition for ease of learning and optimal academic performance.
"For me, one of the issues I care about deeply is the girl child. In 2019, we discussed how to encourage girl children to stay in school, including the initiative to provide sanitary and personal hygiene kits to girls, while improving toilet facilities and access to water in our schools".
Mrs. Abiodun admonished the girls to speak up on matters that could negatively affect them in the society.
" As girls, I encourage you to speak up on issues that affect you. I joined the protest against rape and sexual violence some months ago, because I believe it is an issue that must stop in our country. When a matter is dear to your heart, speak up".
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Funmi Efuwape advised the girl children to be determined to surmount any form of challenge they might be faced with and walk up tall among their male counterparts in all endeavors.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs. Ronke Soyombo in her welcome address highlighted salient issues that bordered on the girl child to include inaccessibility to school education, gender based violence, female genital mutilation and a host of others.
"Let me say that too often, adolescent girls face intersecting disadvantages such as sexual/violence and most importantly, reduced education opportunities among others.
She urged parents, organizations, individuals, schools to assist in giving a voice to the girl child and help to nurture them into responsible future leaders.
" As individuals, parents, schools and other organizations, we must take proactive measures in giving voice to the voiceless, break the wall between you and the girls by having interactive sessions with them, adopting them and their education through scholarships."
The program had in attendance, girls drawn from both public and private schools across the four zones of the state and featured among others, cultural display, music choreography and speaking competition.
The first position in the speaking competition was taken by Miss Ojeade Christiana of Baptist Girls College, Abeokuta, the second by Miss Enitan Oyindamola of Yewa College, Ilaro and the third by Miss Oyewale Sophiat of Paragon International College, Oke Aregba, Abeokuta and they all went with gifts and cash prizes.
Also present at the event were members of Spouses of Ogun State Functionaries Association, Female Permanent Secretaries and invited dignitaries among others.
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