As part of activities to commemorate this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, the
Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Oyo state chapter embarked on a series of sensitization programmes to secondary schools in Ibadan metropolis to carry out enlightenment sessions with teenagers.
At one of the sessions which took place at NICKDEL College, Akobo, Ibadan, NAWOJ called on the judiciary in the state to accelerate cases of abuse against the girl child so that justice will not only be seen to be done but in order to encouragre other victims to speak up and break the jinx of silence..
Speaking at the sensitisation programme, the Chairperson of Oyo NAWOJ, Comrade Jadesola Ajibola while addressing students explained that it is important for everyone to the future of a Nigerian child especially the girl-child, who is more vulnerable in today’s society.
She noted that though the boy-child also need to be catered to, the girl needs more support to prepare for the future.
The chaiperson of NAWOJ talked about harmful practices that may prevent the girl children from having a better future, listing female genital mutilation, early marriage and lack of quality education among others.
Comrade Jadesola Ajibola called on Nigerians to do more in the prevention of the girl-child abuse and expose violators in our society.
As part of the activities for this year’s celebration, NAWOJ also paid a visit to the state office of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to further deepen the collaboration between the two bodies to ensure that advocacy and campaigns are further taken to the grassroots.
Speaking at NOA, Comrade Ajibola noted that NAWOJ will take the advocacy for the protection of the girl-child to the nooks and crannies of the state, urging community leaders to expose anyone in their vicinity identified as violators.
She further urged NOA to lead the advocacy at all levels and do more for women and girls.
She assured the state director of Oyo NAWOJ’s support to promote the activities of NOA in Oyo state.
The state director of the National Orientation Agency, Dr (Mrs) Olukemi Afolayan, noted that more effort need to be geared towards advocacy to protect and safeguard the girl child.
Dr Afolayan emphasised that NOA will do more in the sensitisation of the public to reduce abuses against the girl children.
She promised to continue collaboration with stakeholders who can make more Nigerians invest in the girl-child.
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