ABEOKUTA– The Ogun state government has canvassed for an increased representation of women in various stratas of governance in the country.
The Special Adviser to the Ogun state government on education, Ronke Soyombo stated this while speaking at the 2024 International Day of the Girl-Child, organized by the Nigeria Association of Women journalists (NAWOJ), Ogun state chapter.
While lamenting that girls confront barriers such as gender-based violence, limited access to school and stereotypes that impede their advancement, Soyombo stressed that these challenges should not define their narrative.
Themed, “Girls Vision For The Future: Our Vision, Our Voice”, Soyombo said, ” This day serves as a powerful reminder of the boundless potential, creativity, and resilience that girls possess. As we stand here, we recognize that the future belongs to our girls.
“We also acknowledge the obstacles that hinder their progress, gender-based violence, limited access to education, stereotypes and biases, and lack of representation, but we refuse to let these challenges define our narrative. Instead, we choose to empower, uplift, and amplify the voices of our girls.
“Our vision is of a world where girls have equal access to quality education, are free from fear, violence, and exploitation, can pursue their dreams without limitation hold leadership positions and shape policies. A world where girls can be scientists and artists, entrepreneurs, activists, leaders and innovators.
Speaking earlier in her welcome address, the Ogun NAWOJ chairperson, Sekinat Salam, urged parents to pay more attention to the girl child’s education and training by equipping them with the needful morals required to become a worthy woman of the envisioned future.
She however reiterated the association’s commitment to advancing gender-sensitive reporting, empowering girls via training in media literacy and digital skills, and supporting laws that advance the protection, health, and education of the girl child.
Similarly, Eucharia Ekwu, the state deputy commander of Narcotics, NDLEA, while urging the girl child to shun drug abuse stated that a survey conducted by the command indicates that one in four drug abusers is a female and that the state faces challenges in combating drug abuse and trafficking due to its proximity to both Lagos and international borders.
Representing the state Comptroller, Nigeria Immigration service, DCI Olabisi Abati reassured the public that the command is making every effort to combat illegal migration and smuggling.
