Ogun State Advocates For Increased Women Leadership On Girl Child Day

Ogun State Advocates For Increased Women Leadership On Girl Child DayMrs. Ronke Soyombo, Special Adviser on Education to the Ogun State government, has called for greater representation of women in the nation’s technical and scientific education system. Speaking during the 2024 International Girl Child Day celebration organized by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Ogun chapter, Soyombo emphasized the need to break down barriers faced by girls, such as gender-based violence, limited access to education, and harmful stereotypes.

The event, themed “Girls’ Vision for the Future: Our Vision, Our Voice,” took place at the Cultural Center in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, and was attended by students from various schools. Addressing the students, Soyombo encouraged them to stay focused on their careers and follow their dreams, despite the challenges they may face.

“This day serves as a powerful reminder of the boundless potential, creativity, and resilience that girls possess. We recognize that the future belongs to our girls,” she said. She highlighted the obstacles that hinder girls’ progress but stressed that these challenges should not define them. “Our vision is of a world where girls have equal access to quality education, are free from fear and violence, and can pursue their dreams without limitation.”

Soyombo urged young girls to avoid negative influences on social media and instead look up to role models like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Folake Solanke (SAN), and Justice Maryam Mukhtar, who achieved success in their respective fields.

In her welcome address, Ogun NAWOJ Chairperson Sekinat Salam urged parents to focus on the education and moral development of the girl child, equipping them for a promising future. She reiterated NAWOJ’s commitment to gender-sensitive reporting and empowering girls through media literacy and digital skills.

Salam also called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to address the issues of low school enrollment among girls and drug abuse among youths.

Additionally, Eucharia Ekwu, Deputy Commander of Narcotics at the NDLEA, encouraged girls to avoid drug abuse, citing a survey that revealed one in four drug abusers in the state is female. DCI Olabisi Abati, representing the Ogun State Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, reassured the public that efforts are underway to combat illegal migration and human trafficking.

The event also featured a health talk on menstrual hygiene by Dr. Adanna Maduka of the Nigeria Police Medical Service, distribution of sanitary pads, and a personal testimony from Aderike Temitope, a survivor of human trafficking.

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