The wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, has lamented the alarming rate of school dropouts as a result of teenage pregnancy in the State.
She said this in her speech delivered on the occasion of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child organised by the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and the United Nations as part of activities marking the 2024 International Day of the Girl and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), held at the June 12, Cultural Center, Kuto, Abeokuta, on Monday.
Mrs Abiodun noted that today’s girl are growing up in an era that presents significant challenges such as climate crises, conflicts, deepening poverty, and setbacks in the fight for gender equality.
She maintained that this year’s theme : ‘Girl’s Vision for the Future’ is apt and calls for urgent action, saying there is hope for the girl child with an inspirational future.
She said, “Today’s generation of girls is growing up in an era that presents significant challenges—climate crises, conflicts, deepening poverty, and setbacks in the fight for gender equality.
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“Despite the hurdles, I strongly believe that we live in an era of great opportunities, especially for our girls. But for this to happen, we must first recognize the crucial role we all play in shaping their future.
“In August, I had the honour of attending the first Gender and Social Norms Summit in Abuja, where we discussed the challenges girls face across Nigeria.
“I am particularly grateful to Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and UNFPA for making that groundbreaking event a reality.
“In Ogun State, while we don’t face as much of a challenge with child marriage or female genital mutilation as some other states, we have our own pressing issues. One of these is the alarming rate of school dropouts due to teenage pregnancy.
“In an era of rapid digital growth, platforms like TikTok and Snapchat expose our girls to an overwhelming amount of information. A formal, robust sex education curriculum is no longer optional, but it is essential.”
In her remarks, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Motunrayo Adeleye,said the time is now to envisioned a new future that is bold, inclusive and full of promises for the girls.
Adeleye said the Ministry had consistently demonstrated unwavering support for girls in the State through empowerment of girls; sensitization campaigns; or encouraging them to speak out against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
“As we gather here, it’s impossible to overlook the countless challenges girls face, both globally and locally, whether gender inequality, limited access to education, or the lingering menace of early child marriage and societal stereotypes.
“Yet, despite these obstacles, our girls continue to break barriers, showing the world that they are not victims but victors. From excelling in education to making groundbreaking strides in science, arts, sports, and beyond, girls are proving their limitless potential.”
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE