Lagos celebrates International Day of the Girl Child with ‘Innovate-Eko’ mentorship series

The Lagos State Government has celebrated the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child with an inspiring mentorship session under its Innovate-Eko Special Series, held at Dolphin Senior High School, Lagos Island.

The event, organised through the Innovate-Eko Mentorship Series, brought together leading female public officials, educators, and administrators who have distinguished themselves across the education and governance sectors in Lagos State.

Among the mentors were the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Cecilia Bolaji Dada; Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite; Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University of Education, Prof. Bidemi Bilikis Lafiaji-Okuneye; and Executive Secretary, Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Mrs. Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade.

The mentors shared personal stories of resilience and excellence, motivating students to pursue their dreams with courage, confidence, and discipline.

In her address, Hon. Cecilia Bolaji Dada urged the girls to embrace leadership roles and reject intimidation.

She said: “Never limit yourselves because you’re a girl. Develop high self-esteem and a growth mindset. Learning a skill gives you relevance, confidence, and access to new opportunities in today’s fast-paced world.”

Also, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, charged the students to recognise their potential to drive positive change through education.

“Every girl possesses the strength, intelligence, and courage to drive change, even in adversity. The International Day of the Girl Child celebrates your resilience, potential, and power to create lasting impact,”she affirmed.

She also encouraged them to explore opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), emphasising that the future belongs to those who are bold and innovative.

On her part, Prof. Bidemi Bilikis Lafiaji-Okuneye challenged gender stereotypes in science and technology, stating that competence, not gender, determines success.

Also speaking, Mrs. Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, Executive Secretary of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, urged the girls to be proactive leaders and agents of social change.

Adding a health perspective, Dr. Oluwatoni Adeyemi, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health, held a session on personal hygiene, menstrual care, and wellness, highlighting the importance of a balanced lifestyle through proper nutrition, exercise, and rest.