As countries around the world mark the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, the spotlight has once again been placed on the urgent need for governments and key stakeholders to empower, support, and protect girls particularly by ensuring they have access to inclusive, safe, and affordable quality education that helps them reach their full potential.
This call to action was echoed by several advocates and organizations during a mentors and mentees workshop held at the Petroleum Training Institute in Warri. The event, themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead – Girls on the Frontline of Crisis,” brought together voices from across the development space.
Among the speakers were Mrs. Chizopiyem Tessy Okehebunor, Executive Director of the Women, Girls and Family Empowerment initiative at the Okehebunor Foundation; Hon. Obi Chief Chinwe Monu-Oduah of the Monu Olisah Foundation; Amb. Augusta Keneboh from the Afro Centre for Development, Peace and Justice; along with representatives from Aid the Clan Child Initiative, PACODEC, CSACEFA, NAPPS Delta State, and other partners.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Okehebunor emphasized that every girl deserves to understand her rights, build self-confidence, and be encouraged to pursue her dreams with strong support from both family and society.
Okehebunor explained that the main goal of the workshop was to empower girls with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to thrive in the 21st century. She said this would help close existing gaps, break down barriers, and promote equal access to education.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the Afro Centre for Development, Peace and Justice, Amb. Augusta Keneboh, stressed the importance of this year’s theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead.” She called for urgent action and sustained hope, driven by the power of girls’ voices to create meaningful change especially in Nigeria and across Africa.
Keneboh also presented several recommendations for government action. These included empowering girls with access to quality teachers, training in gender-sensitive teaching practices, increased education funding, and improved access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in schools.
She further emphasized that girls should be given responsibilities without fear of discrimination or stigma. She called for full enforcement of the Child Rights Law, the creation of safe spaces for girls, and stronger efforts to tackle issues like child marriage, sexual abuse, drug use, and child trafficking.
Keneboh also pointed out several other challenges faced by the girl child, including female genital mutilation, parental neglect—especially when girls are sent off as domestic helps without any proper educational plans negative peer pressure from male counterparts, the influence of “Yahoo Boys,” and the lack of a supportive learning environment, particularly in rural communities.
Earlier in the event, Mrs. Precious Nwanne Young, Chairperson of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), expressed gratitude to all the partners for collaborating with the association to mark this year’s celebration. She assured that school proprietors would take the lessons and insights gained from the event back to their schools to benefit their students.
Adding to the discussion, Hon. Obi Chinwe Oduah Esq., Founder of the Monu Olisa Foundation, made a passionate appeal to organizations to join the fight against drug abuse and the growing mindset among youth that “school is a scam”a harmful belief, she noted, that has taken root among many school-aged children, especially boys who are increasingly dropping out of school in Nigeria.
During a discussion session, student representatives shared their thoughts on the theme, offering advice and stressing the importance of educating and empowering the girl child.
They urged the government and compassionate Nigerians to come together and advocate for quality education for girls especially in areas affected by conflict, displacement, and natural disasters. They also emphasized the need to create safe spaces where girls can learn, grow, and reach their full potential without fear.
Speaking on behalf of the boys, one student praised the strength, intelligence, and resilience that girls show every day. He emphasized that with determination, they can overcome challenges and grow into leaders of tomorrow.
Panelists from NAPPS also shared their insights and experiences, noting that the girl child defined as any female under 18 still faces serious barriers, including limited access to quality education and healthcare. These challenges, they pointed out, are even more severe for girls living with disabilities.
The event also included the presentation of International Day of the Girl Child postcards, along with certificates of sponsorship awarded to children from across the 25 Local Government Areas of Delta State by the Okehebunor Foundation and its partners.
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