Agboyi-Ketu LCDA boss launches Project S.H.E to empower young girls

In celebration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, the Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has launched Project S.H.E, a flagship initiative designed to advance the Safety, Hygiene, and Education of young girls across the council.

The programme was unveiled on Friday at the Council’s Multipurpose Hall in Alapere, Ketu, by the Chairman, Hon. Adetola Abubakar, who described it as a comprehensive effort to nurture confident, healthy, and educated girls capable of shaping their communities.

“Every girl is potentially a game-changer, a change-leader, and a world-changer,” Abubakar declared.

“Through Project S.H.E, we will protect, empower, and educate our girls to rise and lead positive change in their schools and communities,” she added.

The initiative coincided with the global observance of the International Day of the Girl Child, marked annually on October 11, with this year’s theme: “The Girl I Am, The Change I Need.”

Abubakar explained that the project is built on three key pillars-Safety, Hygiene, and Education.

On safety, she said the Council plans to conduct sensitisation campaigns in schools and communities, create abuse-reporting channels, and work with security agencies, NGOs, and social welfare organisations to protect girls from sexual and domestic violence.

“On hygiene, monthly health education sessions will be organised on menstrual and personal hygiene, alongside free distribution of sanitary pads and hygiene kits. The Council will also collaborate with medical professionals to promote menstrual dignity and end period poverty.

“Scholarships, mentorship programmes, and leadership workshops will be rolled out to improve school retention, academic performance, and self-confidence among girls,” she said.

Abubakar said the project aims to deliver tangible results such as strengthened protection systems, improved menstrual hygiene, and greater awareness of girls’ rights and potential.

Describing herself as a “senior girl-child,” Abubakar vowed to personally protect girls in Agboyi-Ketu from any form of abuse.

“Anyone that abuses a child in Agboyi-Ketu will have me to contend with,” she warned.

She announced plans to set up a direct contact line for girls to reach her in case of emergencies.

“I will personally give our girls a phone line to contact me if anyone tries to molest or mistreat them,” she added.

The council boss also disclosed that from this month, the LCDA would begin monthly distribution of sanitary pads, bathing soaps, washing soaps, and tissues to girls who have reached puberty, while educational materials will also be provided to support their academic growth.

“You owe me your success,” she told the students, adding that “I want you to be healthy, confident, and successful. If I can make it, you can definitely make it.”

The event featured interactive sessions, including a health talk on “Menstrual Health: Myths and Facts” delivered by Dr. Oshodi, Head of the Council’s Health Department.

He educated students on menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and personal care.

Also speaking, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), represented by Fisayo Amole, emphasised the importance of consent, body autonomy, and open communication with parents and guardians.

She urged students to report any form of abuse to the agency for immediate action.

Schools represented at the event included Community Junior High School, Alapere; Ajegunle Junior High School, Ketu; Ogudu Junior Grammar School, Kosofe; Kosofe Senior College, Ketu, and several primary schools within the Agboyi-Ketu LCDA.

At the close of the event, female students received free bags containing sanitary pads, bathing soaps, washing soaps, and tissues as part of the council’s commitment to their personal hygiene and well-being.