” We are working to ensure that there are equal opportunities for girls in all sectors, including technology, science, politics, and business. Discrimination will have no place in our state”.
By Eunice Emeyazia
The need to step up investments in the development of the Girlchild was the fulcrum of this year’s celebration of the International Day of the Girlchild, organised by the Delta State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs Community Support Services and Girlchild Development.
In her address at the Unity Hall Government House, Asaba, venue of the event, the Commissioner in the ministry, Orode Uduaghan said the ministry, under the leadership of Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori will help them access opportunities and support needed to succeed in every aspect of their lives.
Uduaghan said the celebration called for a reflection on the importance of empowering girls and ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected, and stressed the need for all to commit themselves to supporting and uplifting the lives of girls.
She disclosed that the programs of the ministry were all designed based on their believe that no girl should be left behind, adding that programs have been designed to capture girls both in and out of school.
The Commissioner reiterated that the state Government is investing in creating a safe and enabling environment, and empowering girls to become leaders that break down barriers.
She encouraged girls in our state to embrace the world with confidence, believe in their abilities, dream big, and expressed readiness of the ministry to support their journey.
” We are working to ensure that there are equal opportunities for girls in all sectors, including technology, science, politics, and business. Discrimination will have no place in our state”.
The wife of the state Governor and Chief Host, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori commended the ministry for marking the year’s event in a special way, especially organising
Deaconess Oborevwori represented by the wife of the state Chief of Staff Government House, Mrs Ewoma Erijo said empowerment of the Girlchild is for the benefit of all, and expressed optimism that the various programs reeled out by the ministry will encourage more girls to broaden their scope and increase their value.
The Governor’s wife called on parents to empower their daughters, while also advising women to encourage and mentor girls around them, to build a future that everyone would be proud of.
The state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Pat Ajudua, the Commissioner for finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije and others who spoke, expressed satisfaction with the way the event was organised, and urged the girls to avoid distractions from boys and focus on their studies, inorder to attain great heights in life.
The event which drew political leaders, Non Governmental Organizations, associations and girls from different Government Secondary schools in the state, featured lecture, quiz competitions, presentation by the students and little miss Delta, presentation of prizes to winners of the competition, as well as a pledge to pay the west African Examination Council, WAEC enrollment fee for the Senior prefect of Okwe secondary School, God’swill Ajunuga, who made a brilliant presentation, by an invited guest.
Highpoint was the unveiling of scholarships into the Junior Achievement Be Entrepreneurial program for two students who won a quiz competition, a program that introduces students to the essential elements of a practical business plan and challenges them to start an entrepreneurial venture while still in senior secondary school.
The International day of the Girlchild celebrated every October 11, was set aside by the United Nations to draw global attention to issues concerning the Girlchild.
The theme for the 2023 celebration, according to the United Nations is “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being”
NIM