In recognition of the essence of Girl Children as priceless, Osun shunned her weekend to celebrate her girls by commemorating this year's International Day of the Girl Child even on a Sunday.
The occasion which was put together by the ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs was in collaboration with the office of the Wife of the Governor, State of Osun.
Speaking, the First Lady, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola, who spoke through her representative Dr. Sekinat Oyebamiji, said "I'm delighted to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child with you, my beautiful girls. The day has been a special day set aside by the United Nations to highlight issues that concern your development and your growth into functional, free and responsible women. I am happy that many of you are here this morning to mark this day".
Recognising challenges you face as girls, is one of the reasons, we have made economic empowerment one of the cardinal pillars of our program at IleriOluwa Development Initiative, she added.
Our engagement with other development organization has led to intervention with some artisans and female farmers so far. We have also carried out the initial phase of commerce assist programs with women who engage in trading.
We have consistently carried out interventions in rehabilitating some women with mental health issues and I commend our medical partners and volunteers who have been so awesome and dedicated in giving us results.
Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola appealed to girl Children to have a renewed commitment to education "The world we live today is driven by knowledge and only the educated ones would be able to thrive. Education will make us to overcome most challenges that confront us as girls. Education will strengthen our voice to bring an equal future".
Earlier, during her welcome address, the Honourable Commissioner for Women, Children and Social Affairs, Barr. Olubukola Olaboopo mentioned that the day addresses issues confronting and militating girls from maximising their potentials. "It is a day to charge our girls to do more, think outside the box, refuse to conform to stereotypical and negative societal beliefs and values. A day to guide our girls towards a better future.
She mentioned that the theme for this year's celebration is "My Voice,Our Equal Future", it is a strong call to create awareness on the various challenges faced by girls around the world and to promote the empowerment of young girls while also advocating for the attainment of their basic human rights". She mentioned that statistics show that 70% of the 13.5million Nigerians out of school are girls.
Barr. Olaboopo mentioned that Osun State is well positioned and ever ready to liberate girls from the shackles of oppression and negative stereotypical beliefs. She applauded the Governor of the State, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola for the inauguration of the gender based violence management committee which is chaired by Her Excellency, the wife of Mr Governor, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola. An initiative which aims at coordinated management and response to gender related crimes and other anti children vices in the state.
This welcome development ensure security, builds our girls' self confidence and position them for optimum performance of their roles as responsible members of the state without fear.
"Self defense training sessions have also been introduced to empower girls in the State against rape. Psychosocial support is given to victims of rape through the establishment of the Osun Women Clinic".
She added that in the aspect of justice for victims, Her Excellency Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola has established a strong relationship with the judiciary, Ministry of Justice, the Nigeria Police Force, Osun Division and all other security agencies to ensure justice for the victims.
She mentioned that the State had expanded the toll free line 293 to cover rape, gender based violence cases and other gender related vices.
In the area of child trafficking, she espoused that the State is collaborating with relevant government agencies NAPTIPP etc and Non Governmental Organisations to ensure girls are free from trafficking and that incidences of child labour, street children are drastically reduced.
With these, she concluded that the coast is clear for girls in the State.
In her remarks the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs, Pharm. Omolara Ajayi appreciated the Governor of the State His Excellency, Governor Gboyega Oyetola for his time to time support for women and children in the State, she thanked Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola for her readiness and courageous Spirit in ensuring that the program is a successful one.
Motivational speakers were on ground to speak to the children with other side attractions.
Present at the event were the Wife of the Party Chairman, Mrs. Olubunmi Famodun, Chairman, House Committee on Women and Children Affairs, Hon. Mulikat Abiola Jimoh, Barr. Kikelomo Oyebade, wife of the Head of service, wives of Commissioners and Special Advisers, the SSA on Women Affairs and directors in the Ministry among others.
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