…As State, UNFPA Mark International Day of the Girl-Child in Abeokuta
Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, has declared that Nigeria cannot achieve genuine national development without deliberate investment in girl-child education.
Speaking at the 2025 International Day of the Girl-Child celebration held at the Obas Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Adeleye said educating girls remains a “sine qua non for national transformation and sustainable progress.”
The event, organised in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), had as its theme: “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis.”
Adeleye urged development partners, community leaders and religious institutions to collaborate more actively with government at all levels in creating opportunities for girls to access quality and technological education.
“As a Ministry, we remain firmly committed to investing deliberately in girls’ education and leadership, protecting them from all forms of violence and exploitation through stronger enforcement of protection laws, and creating inclusive spaces where their voices influence decision-making—from the classroom to national platforms,” she said.
The Commissioner highlighted several ongoing empowerment initiatives, including the Female Tilers and Block-Laying Training Programme, organised in collaboration with Lafarge Cement.
The scheme, she explained, targets young women aged 18 to 30 and aims to bridge gender gaps in non-traditional trades by equipping them with practical construction skills.
Adeleye further disclosed that the state, through a World Bank-supported project, has provided opportunities for the girl-child to pursue technical and vocational education while acquiring life-changing skills that enhance employability.
She added that these programmes reflect the Prince Dapo Abiodun administration’s commitment to building a generation of confident, self-reliant and future-ready girls.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Alhaja Mariam Oloko, reaffirmed the government’s resolve to strengthen inter-agency partnerships that promote equality and inclusion.
Represented by the Director of Education, Dr. Akinola Okereafor, Oloko described the girl-child as “uniquely created and capable of becoming a positive change agent,” urging participants to pursue knowledge and excellence.
Also speaking, the Prevention Team Lead, Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA), Mrs. Olayinka Adejobi, sensitised the students on HIV/AIDS prevention, warning against risky behaviours and encouraging them to remain focused on their ambitions for a healthy and brighter future.
The WAEC Branch Controller in Ogun State, Dr. Ayobami Suberu, enlightened participants on the newly introduced Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CBT-WASSCE).
He revealed that Ogun recorded zero cases of examination malpractice during the 2024 and 2025 CBT GCE exercises, noting that the new digital format would further strengthen the integrity of the examination process.
The celebration also featured a debate competition, where Abeokuta Girls’ Grammar School, Onikolobo emerged winner, followed by Abeokuta Grammar School, Idi-Aba, and Baptist Girls’ Grammar School, Idi-Aba, which clinched second and third positions respectively.
Participants were later presented with educational materials and reusable sanitary pads as part of efforts to promote menstrual hygiene and equal learning opportunities.
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