Edo State Government, through the Office of the First Lady, has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting girl-child empowerment and protection.
This affirmation was made by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, during a meeting held at Government House in Benin City to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child. The meeting was organized by the Office of the First Lady in collaboration with Better Life Empowerment and Care Foundation (BeliEF and Care) with the theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead”.
Mrs. Anani emphasized the critical role of girls as agents of change in building a sustainable society, noting that Edo State Government, under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo, prioritizes girl-child empowerment through initiatives like SHINE Agenda and Pad a Girl, focusing on education, healthcare, and equality.
According to her, “Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, Edo State continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to the empowerment and protection of the girl child through the SHINE Agenda and our VAP laws. The administration has advanced inclusive policies that promote education, skills acquisition, health care, and equal opportunity for girls across the State.
These efforts align with the initiative of the Office of the First Lady, which continues to champion projects that uplift and equip the girls for success. Our “Pad a Girl’ Project is an initiative where we intend to make sure that every girl uses a sanitary pad, not cloth or rags and in the Office, we will provide that for a year for every girl child across the three sanitary zones. For example, we reach out to girls in communities ensuring that no girl is left behind due to limited access to basic health and educational support”.
Reflecting on the year’s theme, the Coordinator described girls as strong, capable and active drivers of transformation, playing vital roles as leaders and change-makers despite facing various challenges.
”The theme for this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, ‘The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead”, serves as a powerful reminder that girls are not merely beneficiaries of change, but active drivers of transformation in their homes, their schools, and the community in which you find yourself.
”As we reflect on the global and local challenges girls face, from Gender-Based Violence and limited access to education, to the effects of conflicts and climate change, which I’m trying to change, you know, we must also recognize their resilience and their vital role as leaders, innovators and change makers. To every girl listening here today, talking to every one of you, you are strong. You are capable”. she said.
Mrs. Anani further called for stakeholders’ collaboration in empowering girls to lead with courage, compassion and conviction, emphasizing that their dreams are valid and their voices matter, to build a world where girls thrive and lead without limits.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Miss Sally Suleiman, shared her story of resilience, explaining her journey from growing up in crisis to becoming a resilient individual. She recounted losing her mother at five and facing numerous challenges, adding that, instead of giving up, she fought her way through adversity to excel in school.
Through her story, she aimed to empower young girls to see beyond limitations and view boundaries as stepping stones. She encouraged them to find role models who inspire them and remind them that nothing is impossible to achieve. Her message was one of hope and resilience, urging girls to stay focused and determined, even when faced with challenges.
Also speaking, a Technology expert, Miss Cynthia Udoh shared her story of perseverance, determination and hard work to inspire young girls at the meeting. From a challenging childhood, she rose to become a successful technology professional through intentional effort, preparation and diligence. She emphasized the importance of reflecting on actions, volunteering, mentoring and empowering others, highlighting that being the change you dream of requires action, confidence and resilience.
Meanwhile, Abdukareem Angel, a student from Idia College, also inspired participants with her message of empowerment, highlighting girls’ resilience and leadership potential. She called for recognition and investment in the potential of girls, especially in crisis situations and advocated for equality, dignity and respect for girls worldwide.
The meeting ended on a note of heightened inspiration, with teachers and participating students from
Evbareke, Army Days, Ugiomo, Asoro, Idia and Ebomisi Secondary Schools respectively, expressing appreciation for Mrs. Anani’s initiative to empower the girl child. Students pledged to remain committed to their studies and skills development, aspiring to become the change-makers their society needs.
Gloria Osemudiamhen
Public Relations Officer
Office of the First Lady
Edo State
PHOTO CAPTION
7th left: the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, with some stakeholders and students from Government secondary schools during a meeting, held to commemorate International Day of the Girl Child, at Government House, Benin City.
