The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the rights, education, and future of the girl child, emphasizing the need to protect girls from child marriage and empower them to achieve their full potential, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) fields. This was a key focus of activities commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child, with the theme: “Invest in Girls’ Rights. End Child Marriage.” The event was organized by the Champion of the Innovate-Eko STEAM Mentorship Series under the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Education, Mr. Opeyemi Eniola.
The event, which was well-attended by government officials, education stakeholders, and distinguished personalities, aimed to advocate for the protection of girls’ rights, access to quality education, and opportunities to excel in STEAM-related fields. Delivering the keynote address, the APC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Princess Damilola Sonayo-James, stressed the importance of investing in the education and development of girls, noting that every girl deserves the opportunity to learn, pursue her dreams, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Princess Sonayo-James also emphasized the need to end child marriage, which can deprive girls of education and limit their future prospects. She stated that it is essential to move beyond the classroom by equipping girls with mentorship, leadership, digital, and vocational skills. The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Honourable Jamiu Tolani-Alli-Balogun, delivered the Guest of Honour address, highlighting the importance of providing girls with equal access to quality education, mentorship, and the necessary support to thrive academically and professionally.
Honourable Tolani-Alli-Balogun echoed that Lagos girls belong in the laboratory, at the coding desk, on engineering sites, in design studios, and in every boardroom where decisions about their future are made. He called on education stakeholders to create an enabling environment where girls can develop their talents, build confidence, and pursue careers in STEAM without discrimination or limitations. The Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, underscored the importance of safeguarding the rights of the girl child.
Rt. Hon. Meranda stressed that girls must be protected from harmful practices and given the freedom to make informed decisions about their education and future. Similarly, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, emphasized the need for girls to be bold, attentive, and focused. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, advised that communities, teachers, and parents should ensure that the rights of the girl child are respected and protected.
Mrs. Dokunmu-Adegbite encouraged families and communities to support the aspirations and personal development of girls. The Senior Special Assistant, Opeyemi Eniola, stated that there is a collective resolve to end child marriage and to invest in the education, protection, health, and leadership of every girl child. He stressed that the Lagos State Child’s Rights law is firmly anchored in policy and action and that the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has turned these policies into tangible results.
The event concluded with a call on parents, educators, policymakers, and community leaders to invest in girls’ education, defend their rights, and create opportunities for them to thrive and build an inclusive and prosperous society. The highlight of the day was a sensitization exercise on Domestic and Sexual Violence and good health and hygiene, delivered by the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilayo Vivour-Adeniyi, and Special Adviser on Health, Doctor Tolani Adeyemi.
Key points
- The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the rights, education, and future of the girl child.
- The event aimed to advocate for the protection of girls’ rights, access to quality education, and opportunities to excel in STEAM-related fields.
- The government and stakeholders are calling for an end to child marriage and increased investment in girls' education and development.
