Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has urged parents and guardians to avoid discriminating against the girl child, emphasising that she possesses equal potential to the boy child.
He reassured that the state government remains committed to empowering girls. This appeal was made during the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, themed “Girl Vision for the Future,” organised by the State Ministry of Women Affairs at the Stella Obasanjo Multipurpose Hall in Ilorin.
The governor was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Amina El-Imam, who highlighted the importance of existing laws such as the Child’s Rights Law, the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, and the Gender Composition Law.
“These laws ensure that children receive compulsory education and are protected from all forms of violence, molestation, and discrimination,” El-Imam stated.
The governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to fostering an environment where girls can reach their full potential.
The First Lady of Kwara State, Olufolake AbdulRazaq, represented by the Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Abdul-Afeez Alabi Abolore, reiterated her office’s commitment to advocating for policies that enhance girls’ access to education, healthcare, and protection from violence and exploitation.
Saadat Danladi, the Wife of the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, encouraged parents and guardians to build friendly relationships with their children.
She advised female children to remain focused and avoid immoral actions that could hinder their aspirations.
In her welcome address, Commissioner for Women Affairs Opeyemi Oluwakemi Afolashade praised the governor and the First Lady for their efforts to restore the integrity of the girl child through the Committee on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the state.
She noted that prominent women have significantly contributed to the nation’s development and highlighted the girl child as a vital part of society, rich with potential and intelligence.
Keynote Speaker Ruth Adimula urged female children to pursue quality education as a means to combat inequality and discrimination.
She identified poverty, cultural norms, and inadequate infrastructure as significant barriers to the survival of female children. Adimula also warned against drug abuse, premarital sex, prostitution, alcoholism, cultism, fraud, and other detrimental behaviours that could jeopardize their futures.
