Abia and Lagos Push Forward with Girl Empowerment Initiatives

Abia and Lagos States have reiterated their commitment to advancing the rights and development of the girl child, as Nigeria marked the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child.

At a summit organized by the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNAN) in Lagos, themed “The Girl I Am, the Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontline of Crisis,” key stakeholders from government, civil society, and education sectors gathered to promote policies that uplift Nigerian girls.

Speaking at the event, Abia State First Lady, Priscilla Otti, said the state is prioritizing girls’ health and education through initiatives such as the Technical Working Group on Menstrual Hygiene, a gender-based violence hotline, and a policy of free, compulsory education. “Our responsibility is to amplify the voices of girls and give them the tools to succeed,” she said.

Lagos State’s Permanent Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education, Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, noted the state’s continued investment in girls through free education, healthcare access, and the payment of WAEC exam fees for all public school students. She emphasized Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to grassroots healthcare and girl-focused empowerment programmes.

UNAN President Oluremi Olutimo and Health Advocacy Chair Ekanem Adeleke both stressed that investing in girls’ education and health is vital for national development and peacebuilding. This year’s commemoration included medical outreach, mentorship sessions, and entrepreneurship training for young girls.

The summit brought together students, policymakers, NGOs, and development partners, all calling for stronger collaboration to build a future where every Nigerian girl can thrive.