In commemoration of this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Oyo State chapter, initiated a series of enlightening sessions in secondary schools across Ibadan metropolis. The program aimed to raise awareness and empower teenagers, particularly girls, on important issues concerning their rights and well-being.
One of these informative sessions was held at NICKDEL College in Akobo, Ibadan, where NAWOJ took the opportunity to call upon the judiciary in the state to expedite cases related to the abuse of the girl child. This call to action is intended not only to ensure that justice is served promptly but also to encourage other victims to break the silence and speak out against abuse.
Comrade Jadesola Ajibola, Chairperson of Oyo NAWOJ, addressed the students during the sensitization program and stressed the critical importance of safeguarding the future of Nigerian children, with a particular focus on the vulnerability of the girl child in today’s society. She highlighted the need for providing more support to girls to prepare them for a better future.
During the session, Comrade Ajibola discussed harmful practices that could hinder the progress of girl children, including female genital mutilation, early marriage, and the lack of quality education, among other issues. She called on all Nigerians to be proactive in preventing the abuse of the girl child and to expose violators in society.
As part of the International Day of the Girl Child celebrations, NAWOJ also visited the state office of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to strengthen collaboration between the two organizations. The objective is to ensure that advocacy and campaigns for the protection of girls are taken to the grassroots level.
Comrade Ajibola assured the state director of Oyo NAWOJ’s commitment to supporting NOA’s activities in Oyo state and encouraged NOA to lead advocacy efforts at all levels to protect women and girls.
Dr. (Mrs.) Olukemi Afolayan, the state director of the National Orientation Agency, emphasized the need for more extensive advocacy to safeguard the girl child. She pledged to continue collaborating with stakeholders to encourage investment in the well-being and future of the girl child and to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and empowering girls in society.