The First Lady of Oyo State, Engr. Tamunomini Makinde, has called on parents, guardians and community leaders to end girl-child marriage and protect girls from abuse, trafficking and other forms of exploitation. She made the call during the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child at the Civic Centre, Agodi, Ibadan, stressing the need to safeguard girls’ rights and provide opportunities for them to fulfil their potential.
Mrs Makinde, who said she had hosted the annual celebration for seven years, described this year’s theme, “End Girl-Child Marriage and Engage in Girls’ Rights,” as a reminder that every girl deserves education, safety, respect and the freedom to shape her future. She encouraged the girls to believe in themselves, remain committed to their education, seek mentors and resist societal pressures that could limit their ambitions, drawing from her own journey to demonstrate that a person’s background should not determine their future.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Joke Sanni, called for stronger collaboration among families, schools and communities to protect girls and expand their access to education and healthcare. The Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, identified sexual abuse, bullying, trafficking, early marriage and gender-based violence as major threats to girls’ welfare. She also warned against substance misuse and highlighted the health risks associated with early pregnancy, urging parents to provide emotional support, proper nutrition and safe environments for their children.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Abiodun Ayodeji Aikomo, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Olubunmi Aare, urged girls to take their studies seriously and avoid sexual exploitation. Earlier, the Head of Service, Mrs Adenike Fashina, emphasised the importance of education and awareness of girls’ rights and responsibilities. As part of the celebration, Mrs Makinde presented laptops to three outstanding candidates in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), representing the Irepo, Atisbo and Oyo academic zones. Government officials, education stakeholders, parents, teachers, community leaders, development partners and students attended the event.
