INT’L DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD: LAGOS CHARGES YOUNG GIRLS TO EMBRACE EDUCATION, BREAK LIMITS (PHOTOS)
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By: Sefiu Ajape
The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, on Friday, joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, with a call on young girls to embrace education, build confidence, and take up leadership roles.
The event, themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” was held at Dolphin Senior High School, Lagos Island, and attracted key government officials, educators, and female leaders who shared inspirational messages and personal experiences with students.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, emphasized the importance of self-belief and education as tools for empowerment.
“Every girl has the strength, intelligence and courage to change the world, even in the face of adversity,” she said.
She encouraged the girls to embrace their uniqueness, wear their scars proudly, and see crises as opportunities for leadership and innovation.
“Leadership is not about age or status. It begins with courage, education, and a commitment to make a difference,” she added.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Mr. Opeyemi Eniola, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his inclusive governance, noting that both boys and girls are being supported through various educational and empowerment programs.
He added that the ministry now brings opportunities directly to schools rather than waiting for students to come to Alausa, in line with the administration’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
In her remarks, Hon. Cecilia Bolaji Dada, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, shared her 25-year journey in politics, recalling how she was once denied a position simply because she was a woman.
“Being a girl does not stop you from getting to positions of power and authority,” she told the students.
She encouraged them never to limit themselves or view their gender as a disadvantage.
Also speaking, Prof. Bidemi Bilikis Lafiaji-Okuneye, Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University of Education, addressed the misconception that girls are not inclined towards science, stressing that they are excelling across disciplines.
“There are girls in sciences, there are girls in technology—they are making their marks and doing very well,” she said.
She further motivated the girls to maintain self-esteem and confidence in taking up leadership roles, sharing her own leadership journey as an example of resilience and determination.
Similarly, Mrs. Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, Executive Secretary, Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, urged the girls to develop a strong sense of responsibility and be proactive in driving change within their communities.
Dr. Olufunke Idowu Oyetola, Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District III, spoke on supporting the dreams of the girl child in Lagos State, highlighting government initiatives designed to empower young girls through quality education and mentorship.
On her part, Dr. Oluwatoni Adeyemi, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health, led an interactive health session focused on personal hygiene, menstrual care, and overall well-being, urging the girls to maintain cleanliness and confidence.
Also in attendance was Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), who reaffirmed the state government’s zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence and encouraged students to speak out against abuse.
As part of the day’s activities, personal hygiene items such as menstrual pads, perfumes, and other essentials were distributed to students to promote health awareness and self-care.
The event concluded with renewed calls for continued investment in girl child education and empowerment, reinforcing the message that girls are not just beneficiaries of change but leaders and creators of it.
Celebrated globally every October 11, the International Day of the Girl Child was established by the United Nations to promote girls’ rights and address challenges such as gender inequality, limited access to education, and gender-based violence.
The annual observance emphasizes the need to amplify girls’ voices and create environments where they can thrive and become agents of transformation in their communities.
See more photos from the event below:
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