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Okiemute Okpomor
Nigerians have been called upon to invest in children especially the girl-child since they are the leaders and ones to change the world for the better.
This call was made by Mrs. Ejiro Akporehe John Esq, Founder, Lighted Women Foundation(LWF), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)at a ceremony in Effurun, Delta State to mark the 2025 International Day of Girl-Child, she said that there is need to celebrate the girl-child who has big dreams, faces crisis and refuses to give up against all odds.
She said that globally, the 11th day of October, is set aside by the United Nations to celebrate the girl-child recognizing the powers, potentials and promises of every girl around the world.
According to her, the Foundation decided to celebrate the girl-child on the grounds that despite the talents and unique qualities the girl-child has, many a times relegated to the background by the society just as she said they sometimes face all forms of social violence which includes rape, among others.
Mrs. John said that the girl-child may be seen as a weaker vessel but in actual sense, they are agents of change and leaders the world really needs.
Mrs. John admonished parents to give their children especially, the girl-child proper parenting and invest in them by way of education to enable them contribute their quota to nation building.
She reminded the girls present and others that they are very special breed of person that God has created to fulfill His purpose on earth just as she charged them to make a difference in their life by avoiding bad friends who may lure them into prostitution and other social vices.
The Founder of Lighted Women Foundation (LWF) added, “you are talented, unique, we see greatness in you, you are not just existing, there is a purpose you are born. You are not just a girl by mistake, so be bold, let your voice be heard. It doesn’t matter what the challenges are, or society or your parents are saying, only you can change the narrative”.
She told the girls that they can be great and contribute to nation building like the Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of World Trade Organization(WTO), a Saudi Arabian Scientist and Innovator, Dr Hayat Sindi, the 1st black Woman who was the Vice President of United States of America, Kamala Harris, among others.
On her part, Mrs Iroro Akpodovan Esq. said the girl child is the future of the nation, adding, without a girl, there would be no man.
According to Mrs. Akpodovan, the girl-child is an endangered specie in Nigeria as they face different challenges namely, lack of education, poverty occasioned by parents’ inability to cater for their children which later exposes them to all forms of abuse like rape among others.
She however said, the government has brought about legislation to protect the right of the girl-child adding, one of such is the right to education among others, she then charged the girls to be educated to be better persons in future.
Others who spoke included Ukeke Ogochukwu Gloria, a medical personal who spoke On “Women’s Hygiene”, Karo Emuakpeje, Nigerian Girl Guide who spoke on :”The Need To Empower Girl-Child To Dream Big And Break Barriers In Every Area of Their Life”, among others.
Highlight of this year’s programme themed: The Girl I Am, The Challenge l Lead, Girls On The Front Line Of Crisis” were dances, dramas , debates , poems recitation and others by pupils of Prudent Brain and UNIBEST Schools for the entertainment of guests.
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