Wives of Ogu/Bolo and Tai local government chairmen have called for strong investments in the education and protection of the girl-child to guarantee their future in the state.
The two local government chairmen made the call during events to mark the 2022 International Day of the Girl-Child at the LG headquarters in Ogu and Saakpenwa, respectively.
The theme for this year is “Our Time Is Now, Our Rights, Our Future”.
The programmes featured sensitisation and capacity building workshop/seminar for the girls, questions and answers session, press briefing and drama.
In her address, the wife of the Chairman of the Ogu/Bolo LGA, Mrs Boma Nemieboka said, the programme was organised to celebrate the girl-child because of the importance and worth placed on the girl-child in the society.
She reiterated the fact that the education of the girl-child was of utmost importance because she unites the society and was also a nation builder.
Mrs Nemieboka called for the mentoring, empowerment and education of the girl-child in the society.
The Ogu/Bolo first lady further said education would help the girl-child break the gender norm, have a sense of belonging and not be intimidated by her male counterparts.
She went ahead to say the education would aid her to make informed decisions, and assured them that they were loved and cherished.
She told the girls to appreciate their parents and guardians for giving them the opportunity to be educated because a lot of girls do not have such privileges.
In turn for giving them good education, Mrs Nemieboka admonished girls to study hard, make good grades, become responsible and reputable people in the society, and make their parents proud, so they don’t regret spending their time and resources on them.
The Medical Officer of Health Department, Ogu/Bolo LGA, Dr Carol Joseph, talked to the girls on keeping good hygiene and puberty while Senior Lecture, Department of Human Kinetic, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Opirite Mojaan, spoke on sexual harassment.
In her closing remarks, the Vice Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Hon Eunice Alabo, thanked the Chairman, Barrister Vincent Nemieboka, for his efforts in making sure women were carried along in his government.
The students staged a drama on the importance of girl-child.
Nemieboka also distributed gift items to all the students.
In attendance are the Deputy Leader, Hon Tammy Ibibofori; Whip, Hon Daddie Praise;Ogu/Bolo Legislative Assembly, Hon Stella Harold.
Others are Vice Principal, UBE, GSS,Ogu, Ms Silverline Odikibiebuma, teachers and students.
In her speech during an event at Saakpenwa, the wife of the Chairman of Tai Local Government Area, Lady Winnieenu Okpe, distributed 115 packs of pads to Tai women and girls to mark the 2022 International day for Girl-Child.
Mrs Okpe, who hosted an event aimed at educating women on the right of the girl-child, explained that the pads would sustain the women for three months, adding that it was a way of encouraging healthy and hygienic living of the girl-child in the society.
She also charged all women of Tai to give adequate attention to their girl-child, stressing that girl children were resourceful and had the potentials just like the boy children.
Speaking on the topic: “On being female: the focus”, Barrister Theresa Belema Chris Biriowu appealed to parents to also give as much education to the girl-child as they do to the male child, noting that neglecting the girl-child had generational consequences.
She added that women, especially in rural areas, should rise up to their right, and say no to molestation, abuse and other forms of harassment faced by the girl-child.
Furthermore, the head of Rapid Response Team of the International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA) in Rivers State, BarristerDabaIketubosin, said that the primary responsibility of FIDA was to educate and sensitise the women to know their right, and apply them in their daily activities.
She noted that most people, especially the girl-child,were ignorance of their right and as such lives as handicap.
Mrs. Clara Mmebe, who anchored the interactive session, narrated her life story as a girl-child, and informed the participants that it was a wake-up call for everyone to take responsibility of their girl-child.
Mrs. Beatrice Matthew Dike, who also spoke at the event, commended the wife of the chairman of Tai Local Government Area for putting up such intriguing event.
She noted that the event was the first of its kind, and that all participants had one or more things they have benefited from the programme.
On December 19, 2011, United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl-Child, to recognise girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.