The Wife of the Delta State Governor and Founder of “You Matter Charity Foundation”, Mrs Tobore Oborevwori, says an empowerment for the girl child is one for all.
Speaking in Asaba on Tuesday, as part of the activities to mark the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl-Child, Oborevwori said the world would be better when females are empowered.
Oborevwori, who was represented by the wife of the Chief of Staff, Mrs Eyoma Erijo, said, “over the years, female children were seen as minor creatures whose voices should not be heard; fathers who had female children were not recognised by their families.
“Tradition once relegated the Girl-Child to the background; they lacked the right to quality education and the right to a good life.
“Factors like poverty, rape, sexual abuse, violence and early marriage derailed the success of the girl-child.
“Today, the power of the Girl-Child cannot be underestimated; we are witnessing a turnaround in the scheme of things”.
Oborevwori also said, “more than ever, female children are now soaring in places where males once dominated.
“They read courses that are meant as it were only for boys; they come out with good grades and even serve in the same committee with their male counterparts.
“Let me remind us that empowerment of a girl-child is for the benefit of all. I therefore encourage parents here present to do all you can to empower your daughters”.
She therefore encouraged mothers and parents to make it a point of duty to serve as mentors and sources of encouragement to their children, especially the female.
Earlier in her remarks, the host and Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl-Child Development, Ms Orode Uduaghan, emphasised the need to keep encouraging the girl-child.
On the theme for this year’s celebration: “Our Time is Now, Our Rights, Our Future”, she said the rights of the girl-child should be upheld at all points.
In her goodwill message, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Mrs Pat Ajudua, advised girls to protect themselves for the future.
“Now is the time to chart a course for yourself and tell God what you want out of your future”, she stated.
On her part, a representative of Anglican Girls Grammar School (AGGS), Asaba, Miss Ifeanyi Marvelous, said, “The girl-child is the mother of the future, she should be seen and heard”.
The celebration was marked with different activities, including quiz competitions and speech presentations from students from various schools across the state.
The event was graced by a number of female secondary school students from across the state.