The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Mariam Adeola Gbadebo (MAG) Foundation have advocated for improved access to education to end child labour, trafficking and violence against the girl-child in Nigeria.
They made the call while commemorating the 2024 International Day of the Girl-Child (IDGC) with a theme,” Girls’ Vision for the Future”, at Junior Secondary School, Apo Legislative quarters on Friday in Abuja.
Mrs Mariam Gbadebo, Founder and Executive Director, MAG Foundation, said ending all forms of child labour, trafficking and violence, while improving access to education for the girl-child will enable them achieve their potentials.
Gbadebo said that children should not be seen hawking on the streets or engaged in child labour during active school hours.
“We strongly believe that all children should be in school, and we are working hard to see that we get more children in school.
“For out of school children, we are looking at programmes to get them back into the school system, because that is the way they can actualise their vision for the future.
“We have a role to play to lift the children to achieve their vision, or else we are putting our future and the future of those in school at risk,” she said.
While speaking on the Adolescents Health week celebration, she stressed the need for mental health, and emotional and physical wellness of the girl child to enable them pursue their dreams.
“These girls need to be reminded constantly that they have to make good decisions. Say no to substance abuse; say no to premarital sex. Be intentional about your decisions,” she said.
Miss Victory Ibhafidon, representing the Adolescent Girls Department, FCTA Women Affairs Secretariat, said that cultural, economic and social barriers affected access to education for the girl-child.
Ibhafidon said: “we spoke to the children about their health and being leaders, because most of these girls, because of culture and a lot of things are being deprived of education.
“And the only way for them to be somebody is through education. So we have to tell them the importance of education and for them to tell their friends at home that they should also come to school.”
Dr Anthony Urasi, Public Health Specialist and National Coordinator, Global Standard Healthcare Development Limited, educated the students on ways to overcome factors that affect their mental health.
” Some of the key factors of mental health are distractions, youth restlessness, environmental influence.
“Once we work on ensuring that we take ourselves off these disparities, every girl-child will go far.
” Focus on yourself, work on yourself, whatever it is that you want to become be proactive towards achieving it,” he said.
Mrs Adeyinka Akabi, Director- Principal JSS, Apo Legislative, said that creating the consciousness of the girl-child on who they were would help them to know that they can become what they want to be and fulfill their goals in life.
Rejoice Charles, Head girl, JSS, Apo Legislative, said: “we are leaders of today and not tomorrow.
” We should always fight against gender discrimination, especially against the girl-child and know that we can conquer.”