IDGC 2024: CONYOUTH drives campaign to protect Girl Child in Kogi Schools
As part of activities marking this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, a Non-Governmental Organization, Concerned Youths and Teens Forum of Nigeria (CONYOUTH) has taken it’s campaign to schools in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital to celebrate the resilience and contribution of girls to our society.
The group visited Schools such as Crowther Memorial College, Holy Trinity Secondary School, Holy Trinity Primary Schools 1 and 2, Police Children Primary School, and also had an interface with students from Good Shepherd Academy Lokoja.
Led by the President of CONYOUTH
Joy Oluwaseun Akinola Esq, She noted that the sensitization programme has positively impacted the lives of over 1,150 girls in Kogi State, describing them as the hope of any nation.
Addressing these Pupils and Students in their various Schools, Barr. Akinola averred that, “Today’s generation of girls is disproportionately affected by global crises of climate, conflict, poverty and pushback on hard won gains for human rights and gender equality. Too many girls are still denied their rights, restricting their choices and limiting their futures”.
“Recent analysis shows that girls are not only courageous in the face of crisis, but hopeful for the future. Every day, they are taking action to realize a vision of a world in which all girls are protected, respected and empowered. But girls cannot realize this vision alone. They need allies who listen to and respond to their needs”.
“With the right support, resources and opportunities, the potential of the world’s more than 1.1 billion girls is limitless. And when girls lead, the impact is immediate and wide reaching: families, communities and economies are all stronger, our future brighter.
“It is time to listen to girls, to invest in proven solutions that will accelerate progress towards a future in which every girl can fulfil her potential”.
The legal Practitioner, who is an advocate of positive change in the society called for the creation of more policy framework that will protect the Girl Child in Nigeria.
“Many of our Girl Child has been abused by those who are supposed to protect them. This has killed them physically, emotional and mentally. The future of Nigeria and the world in general will be at risk if we fail to design more policy framework to protect the Girl Child. This will help to rekindle the hope of survivors whose rights has been abused by enemies of the society”she stated.
The group, during the sensitization programme across Schools donated notebooks, pens, pencils and other writing materials to 406 pupils and students in Lokoja, Kogi State.
It was gathered that the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child has the theme ‘Girls’ vision for the future’.
This year’s theme conveys both the need for urgent action and persistent hope, driven by the power of girls’ voices and vision for the future.
The International Day of the Girl Child, is celebrated annually on 11th October.
