By Oluwatoyin Adegoke
Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Adijat Adeleye, says that Nigeria’s national progress and sustainable development depend on prioritizing girl-child education.
Speaking at the 2025 International Day of the Girl-Child celebration, held with UNFPA at the Obas Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Chief Adeleye reaffirmed government’s commitment to promoting girls’ education, protection, and empowerment under the theme “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead.”
The Commissioner noted that empowering girls through education was not just a social responsibility but a strategic investment in the country’s future, calling on government at all levels, development partners and community leaders to work together in ensuring every girl has access to quality and technological education.
The Commissioner highlighted ongoing programmes, including the World Bank supported technical education initiative and the Female Tilers and Block-Laying Training Programme , which empower young women with skills in non-traditional trades.
According to her, the Ministry was deliberately investing in girls’ confidence, leadership and self-reliance while enforcing laws that protect them from violence and exploitation.
Also, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Alhaja Mariam Oloko, represented by Dr. Akinola Okereafor, reaffirmed the State’s resolve to strengthen collaboration that promotes equality and inclusivity for girls, urging them to pursue knowledge and contribute positively to society.
In seperate goodwill messages by representatives of the State Agency for the Control of AIDS ,SACA Mrs Olayimika Adéjọbí sensitized participants on HIV/AIDS prevention while his counterpart from the West African Examinations Council ,WAEC, Dr. Ayobami Suberu educated them on the new Computer-Based Examination system, urging them to embrace digital literacy.
