As Ogun State joins the rest of the world to celebrate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, parents and guardians have been urged to invest more in girls’ education to enable them to learn, grow, pursue their dreams and fulfil their God-given potential.

The call was made during an event held at OLG Nursery and Primary School, Obantoko, in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, organised by DignityGirls Empowerment Foundation (DGEF) in collaboration with Tundun Community Empowerment Foundation.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Evang. Olalekan Ifede, represented by Education Officer, Mr. Adewale Olusegun, the Chairman said every girl deserved access to quality basic education and the opportunity to enjoy her childhood.

Speaking on the theme, “End Child Marriage, Invest in Girls’ Rights,” Ifede urged the learners to develop their talents, prepare for the future and strive to make meaningful contributions to their families, communities and the nation, commended the organisers for the initiative and encouraged the pupils to take their studies seriously, read their books and ask questions, stressing that their backgrounds should not determine their future achievements.

Also speaking, the Director of the Department of Science and Technology, Mrs. Abosede Edun, represented by Mrs. Folashade Ajao, emphasised the need to protect girls’ rights, safeguard their future and create opportunities for them to realise their full potential, noting that child marriage disrupts girls’ education, jeopardises their future and exposes them to emotional, social and economic challenges.

In their goodwill messages, Headteacher of OLG School, Odeda, Mr. Dauda Idowu; the first runner-up, Dapo Abiodun Best teacher award primary school category, Comrade Oluwakemi Ayedun; the 2025 National Best Teacher, Ambassador Francis Solanke; the 2026 National Best Teacher, Dr. (Mrs.) Mary Adebayo; and the Chairman of the Association of Primary School Headteachers, Odeda, Mrs. Ojo Dorcas, represented by the Financial Secretary, Mrs. Toyin Soyoye, encouraged the learners to share the knowledge they had gained with their colleagues in their respective schools.

They advised the girls to remain focused on their education, avoid distractions and resist negative influences that could prevent them from achieving their goals.

In her remarks, NUT Chairman, Odeda chapter, Alhaja Ruqouyyah Adebayo, said DGEF was committed to promoting the dignity of the girl child, building confidence, protecting girls’ rights and ensuring their meaningful participation in education, particularly in underserved communities, encouraged the girls to speak up against harassment and gender stereotypes. She also called for improved parental care and practical interventions to address the challenges confronting girls through education, mentorship, advocacy, protection and community engagement.

Speaking on the topic, “My Future, My Voice,” the Treasurer of DignityGirls Empowerment Foundation, Dr. Idowu Olubukonla, said girls should be allowed to continue their education and protected against violence, adding that their future should not be determined by others.

The second resource person, a Senior Lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) and the Financial Secretary of DGEF, Dr. Folashade Oke, spoke on the topic, “My Right, My Story.” encouraged girls to build self-confidence, express themselves without fear and stand up for their rights. She also urged stakeholders to empower them to express their opinions and pursue their dreams with courage and determination.

Oke identified poverty as one of the factors contributing to child marriage and appealed to well-meaning individuals to invest in girls’ education, skills development, safety and healthcare to enable them to thrive.

Earlier, the Founder of DGEF, Mrs. Esther Odeyale, said the event provided an opportunity to reflect on issues affecting girls, challenge harmful practices and renew collective commitment to ensuring that every girl had the opportunity to grow, learn, make informed choices and fulfil her potential.

She stressed that every girl deserved to enjoy her childhood, receive quality education, express herself, make age-appropriate decisions and prepare for a future of her own.

The highlight of the event was the distribution of sanitary pads, pants and bras to selected female learners from public primary and secondary schools across Odeda Local Government Area.