11th June, 2024
Mr Adewale Egbedun, Speaker of the Osun House of Assembly has advocated for improved welfare for the girl-child, saying they are the future leaders of the country.
Egbedun stated this on Monday while hosting the ‘First Nigeria Girls Parliamentary Day’ at the assembly in collaboration with the Value Female Network Africa, a non-governmental organisation that prioritises welfare of girls/women.
“I am honoured to welcome you to the first special Nigeria Girls Parliamentary Day, organised by Value Female Network in collaboration with Osun assembly.
“Today we have the opportunity to come together and amplify our voices to advocate for change and inspire one another to make a difference.
“I believe that by working together, we can overcome the challenges that is limiting you, including limited access to education, gender based violence and menstrual health.
“The future of our country rest in the hands of our young people and the young girls here today have the potential to become leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
He tasked the participants to take lessons learnt from the parliamentary discourse to inspire change in their communities.
“You are the catalyst of change and I believe in your ability to make a difference.”
Speaking, Dr Costly Aderibigbe, Coordinator of Value Female Network Africa, said the programme was organised to promote the girl’s rights in Nigeria.
Aderibigbe described the girl-child as a treasure to the society, saying it was necessary to impact them positively and promote them for a better society.
“When we train a girl-child, we train a society because they will give birth and that is why we need to train our girls for a better future,” she said.
In her remarks, Mrs Ngozi Adeleke, the Wife of Osun governor, charged young girls to be more courageous and disciplined.
Adeleke, who was represented by Mrs Olushola Omotunde, equally advised the girls to cultivate the spirit of resilient and hard work for a brighter future.
Some of the girls that spoke at the programme, highlighted the challenges they are facing, which include menstrual hygiene, gender violence and discrimination faced by people with disabilities.
They solicited for support, better welfare and treatment for young girls in the country.
(NAN)