By Prosper Meneย
Abeokuta, October 17, 2025ย
In a call to action on the International Day of the Girl Child, Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, declared that no nation can achieve meaningful progress without prioritizing the education of its girls, positioning it as an indispensable driver of societal transformation and economic advancement.
Speaking at the state-wide celebration held at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Adeleye emphasized that investing in girl-child education is not merely an educational imperative but a strategic necessity for Nigeria’s overall development. “No nation can progress without girl-child education,” she asserted, urging governments, development partners, community leaders, and religious figures to collaborate in fostering environments that ensure access to quality education, including cutting-edge technological training. “We must create inclusive spaces where girls’ voices shape decisions, from classrooms to national platforms,” she added.
The event, themed around accelerating global commitments to girls’ rights and futures, drew participants from across Ogun State, including educators, students, and representatives from examination bodies. Adeleye highlighted the ministry’s unwavering dedication to bolstering girls’ education and leadership while safeguarding them against violence and exploitation through robust legal enforcement. “As a ministry, we are committed to deliberate investments in their growth,” she affirmed.
Supporting these sentiments, Dr. Ayobami Suberu, Ogun State Branch Controller of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), addressed the young attendees, advocating for digital literacy amid evolving assessment methods in international exams. “Embrace technology, it is the key to unlocking your potential in a digital world,” Suberu advised, underscoring the need for girls to adapt to modern educational demands.
Ogun State’s initiatives align with broader national and global efforts to bridge gender gaps in education. Recent reports from UNICEF and local studies, such as those in Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area, reveal persistent challenges like poverty, cultural barriers, and insecurity that hinder girls’ school retention. Yet, progress is evident: Oyo State’s recent assessments show improved performance in national exams, a trend Adeleye hopes Ogun will amplify through targeted interventions.
As the world marks this day under the theme “A New Media for a New Era,” Adeleye’s message says one thing: Educating girls today builds resilient nations tomorrow.
