The Executive Director, Initiatives for Girls Right and Health Development (IGRHD), Mrs Ayodeji Awodoyin has called on government to protect rights of the girl-child.
Awodoyin made the call at the 2023 annual Anti- Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) Arts competition for in-school adolescents held at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, on Saturday.
The programme was organised for young girls on how get through adolescent stage safely and come up with creative ideas and knowledge.
Awodoyin emphasised on the need for government to protect rights of the girl-child in the society and to enhance the education of the girl-child.
“The programme is also to enlighten the public on how to nurture, protect and prepare girl-child for the future as well as harmful effects of Female Genital Mutilations (FGM).
“We enjoin the government and stakeholders to prioritise the welfare of young Nigerians, especially girl-child and support women initiatives for the growth and development of the society,” she stated.
According to her, the annual competition for in-school adolescents has over 400 students from the age of 10 to 20 across sixteen secondary and primary schools, both public and private, in Ile-Ife.
Awodoyin said the students were sensitized on female genital mutilation, child marriage and gender based violence.
“They are ready to return as advocates in their various communities and schools,” she said.
In the same vein, Mr Temitayo Awodoyin, the Director of Operation, IGRHD, said NGOs alone cannot end female genital mutilation and other practices in the country.
“This is our own contribution as a non profit organisation, to ensure that we reduce the prevalence of unplanned pregnancy, child marriage and female genital mutilation in Osun State.
“We know the problems of the women. we call on the state government to employ counsellors for all schools,” he noted.
One of the parents that spoke at the event, Mrs Bola Eluyemi, said that every girl-child is entitle to quality education and appealed to parents and guardians not to neglect their girl-child.
Also, Titilayo Pitt, a final year student of Focus Model College, Ile-Ife, who spoke on behalf of other students, appreciated the organiser for given them the privilege to partake in the programme.
Pitt called for regular advocacy on girl-child education, protection and development.
Participants received certificate of participation, while the winner of the competition received an award.
