KWSG PARTNERS OCDl TO UPHOLD THE GIRL CHILD'S RIGHTS

The Kwara State Government, in its continuous efforts to

uphold the Girl Child's Rights, has expressed its commitment to partner  a Non-Government Organisation, Olive Community Development lnitiative (OCDl) to tackle child marriage and gender-based violence in the State.

The Kwara State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Abosede Olaitan Buraimoh, made this known when the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) paid a familiarization visit to commemorate the celebration of Girl Child held at the Conference Hall of the Ministry in llorin.

The Commissioner condemned the increase in the violation of the girl child, charging Stakeholders on the need to address the menace of Girl Child's Rights infringement. 

She noted that it is disheartening to know that girls are still facing numerous challenges and obstacles like child marriage, lack of education, child labour and limited access to health care, which prevent  them from achieving their goals.

Hon. Buraimoh explained that harmful practices against the girl child, rob the victim of her childhood, right to education and her ability to make choices for herself, while stressing that awareness creation and strengthened laws can help in protecting girls from this

injustice.

The Commissioner said, "Today, let us recommit ourselves to the cause of empowering girls. Let us

pledge to create a world where every girl can live a life of dignity, free of

discrimination and violence. Together, we can build a future where the Girl Child's Rights are protected, her voice is heard and her dreams become a reality."

Hon. Buraimoh pointed out that the health care of girls should not be overlooked, noting that 

 girls must have access to comprehensive health care services including reproductive health

education and services that will enable them to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

"Let me say that education is the cornerstone of empowerment. It equips girls with knowledge, skills and confidence to break loose from the chains of inequality. It enables them to make informed choices, pursue their dreams and contribute meaningfully to society. It behoves the Government at all levels and other Stakeholders to invest in quality education for girls, ensuring its accessibility, inclusivity and freedom from discrimination", the Commissioner remarked.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Musa Olanrewaju Ọkanlawon, stated that it is a collective responsibility to create an enabling environment

where every girl can thrive, grow and achieve her highest potentialities.

 In her Speech, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Olive Community Development Initiatives (OCDI), Mrs. Oluwatoni Adeleke, disclosed that her Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) is supporting girls and women by providing social services such as counselling, psychosocial support, empowerment, welfare support and skill acquisition in Kwara State. 

"OCDl focuses on community health initiatives, gender-based violence, education, household economic strengthening, and livelihood programmes is commendable."

She added that the NGO is partnering with other organisations in the country to organise the State of the Nigerian Girl Submit (SONGS), mentioning that the platform is designed to engage girls from diverse regions across Nigeria and address the multifaceted challenges faced by girls and young women in the country. 

Also speaking, the Programme Officer, Blessing Akanbi, admonished the society to stop discriminating against the girl child, stating that gender should never be a factor to inflict difficulties. 

Present at the event were the Director, Personnel, Finance and Supply, Mrs. Maryam Ishola; Director, Child Development, Mrs. Maryam Yusuf; Director, Planning, Research Statistics, Mallam Muhazu Al-hassan.

Saad Hamdalat Temitope,

Press Secretary, 

MOWA.