International Girl-Child Day: Protect the Girl Child, End Early Marriage — Mrs Makinde Tells Parents

…As She warn against abuse, trafficking and substance misuse, urge families to secure girls’ future.

The First Lady of Oyo State, Engr. Tamunomini Makinde, has called for an end to girl-child marriage, urging parents, guardians, teachers and community leaders to protect the rights of girls and provide them with opportunities to achieve their full potential.

She made the call during the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, held at the Civic Centre, Agodi, Ibadan, where she emphasised the need to translate advocacy for girls’ rights into concrete actions.

Mrs Makinde, who said she had hosted the annual girl-child celebration for the past seven years, noted that the initiative had consistently focused on promoting girls’ education, health, safety, rights and future prospects in Oyo State.

According to her, this year’s theme, “End Girl-Child Marriage and Engage in Girls’ Rights,” serves as a reminder that every girl deserves access to education, protection, respect and the opportunity to determine her own future.

Addressing the girls at the event, the First Lady urged them not to allow societal expectations or their present circumstances to limit their ambitions, encouraging them to take their education seriously, believe in themselves, seek mentors and remain focused on their goals.

She drew from her personal experience, explaining that she had once been a girl with dreams of attending university and making the best of every opportunity available to her, even though she never imagined becoming the First Lady of Oyo State.

Mrs Makinde stressed that a person’s background or starting point should not determine the height of their future achievements, adding that girls must take responsibility for shaping their destinies through hard work, dedication and self-confidence.

She also encouraged girls to use their voices, ask questions and support one another, noting that leadership begins with taking responsibility rather than waiting to occupy a position of authority.

The First Lady further called on parents and guardians to prioritise the education, protection and welfare of their daughters, explaining that education goes beyond formal classroom learning to include the guidance and life lessons provided by families and communities.

She noted that such guidance, including teaching girls how to conduct themselves in public and navigate societal challenges, could help prepare them for the future when offered with understanding and respect.

Mrs Makinde also urged teachers to continue mentoring and encouraging girls, expressing optimism that those who participated in the celebration could emerge as future leaders in their communities and beyond.

She reaffirmed the importance of creating an environment where every girl is empowered to pursue her dreams, develop her abilities and contribute meaningfully to society.

In her address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Joke Sanni, called for sustained efforts to protect girls’ rights and improve their access to education, healthcare and other opportunities necessary for their development.

She urged parents, guardians, schools and community leaders to work together to create a safe and supportive environment where girls could realise their potential, build confidence and contribute meaningfully to society.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, identified sexual abuse, bullying, trafficking, early marriage and other forms of gender-based violence as threats to girls’ well-being.

She urged parents and other stakeholders to provide safe environments where girls could develop physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually.

Ajetunmobi also emphasised the importance of proper nutrition, emotional support and open communication between parents and their children.

She cautioned against substance abuse, citing its potential effects on girls’ health and education, and warned that early marriage could expose girls to pregnancy and childbirth complications.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Abiodun Ayodeji Aikomo, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Olubunmi Aare, urged girls to take their education seriously and avoid decisions that could jeopardise their future.

Aare, who said she attended public primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, encouraged the girls to remain committed to their studies regardless of their backgrounds. She also warned them against sexual exploitation.

Earlier, the Head of Service, Mrs Adenike Fashina, urged the girls to understand their rights and responsibilities, describing education as a vital tool for achieving their ambitions.

As part of the programme, Makinde presented laptops to three outstanding candidates in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), who emerged as winners from the Irepo, Atisbo and Oyo academic zones.

The event was attended by government officials, education stakeholders, parents, teachers, community leaders, development partners and students.