The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of the girl child, promoting access to quality education and empowering girls to excel in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).
The commitment was reiterated during activities marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, themed “Invest in Girls’ Rights. End Child Marriage.” The event was organised by the Champion of the Innovate-Eko STEAM Mentorship Series under the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Education, Opeyemi Eniola, at the Lagos State University of Education, Oto-Ijanikin, on Friday, October 9.
Delivering the keynote address, the APC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Princess Damilola Sonayo-James, stressed the importance of investing in girls’ education and development, noting that every girl deserved the opportunity to pursue her aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society.
She warned that child marriage could disrupt girls’ education and limit their future opportunities, urging stakeholders to equip them with mentorship, leadership, digital and vocational skills.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, who delivered the guest-of-honour address, called for equal access to education, mentorship and opportunities for girls to pursue careers in STEAM-related fields.
He stressed that girls should be encouraged to participate in scientific research, technology, engineering, design and leadership without discrimination or limitations.
Similarly, the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, emphasised the need to protect girls from harmful practices and ensure they could make informed decisions about their education and future.
The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, also encouraged girls to remain focused, attentive and confident in pursuing their ambitions.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, represented by Muslimat Olajumoke Durosinmi, urged parents, teachers and communities to respect and protect girls’ rights while supporting their personal development.
Earlier, Eniola said the state remained committed to ending child marriage and investing in the education, health, protection and leadership development of girls.
He noted that initiatives such as inclusive education programmes, STEAM activities, the Innovate-Eko mentorship series and the Alternative Secondary School for girls were helping to provide educational opportunities for those whose schooling had been interrupted by early marriage, poverty, teenage pregnancy and other challenges.
The event also featured interactive sensitisation sessions on domestic and sexual violence, health and hygiene, delivered by the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilayo Vivour-Adeniyi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Tolani Adeyemi.
Other dignitaries included the Tutors-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District V, Dauda Hassan; the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University of Education, Professor Bilikis Lafiaji-Okuneye; and the Executive Secretary of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Aisha Agbaje.
The event ended with a call on parents, educators, policymakers and community leaders to invest in girls’ education, protect their rights and create opportunities for them to thrive and contribute to an inclusive and prosperous society.
