International Day of the Girl Child: Edo First Lady's Office Calls on Girls to Lead Change

By Adesuwa Ehimuan

The Coordinator Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani

has called on girls to embrace leadership and become agents of change in their communities as the world marks the International Day of the Girl Child.

Mrs Anani made the call during a special interactive session with selected female students from secondary schools across Edo State, held in Government House, Benin City.

The event, organised by Edo State Government in collaboration with BeLiEF and Care Foundation, a pet project of Her Excellency had as its theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the frontline of crisis”.

Mrs. Anani noted that the theme resonates with the SHINE Agenda of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, which prioritizes inclusive development and empowerment. She added that the Pad-A-Girl initiative will be extended to rural areas to ensure that every girl in Edo State has access to quality education and adequate healthcare.

She encouraged the girls to take charge and lead with confidence, compassion, and courage, shaping a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Senior Secondary Education Board, (SSEB) Dr. Maureen Ekhoragbon, encouraged the students to remain focused and take their studies seriously, while the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Ms. Sally Suleiman, emphasized that mentorship plays a critical role in grooming future leaders.

In a goodwill message, an advocate for gender diversity in technology, Cynthia Udoh, admonished the student to take deliberate steps toward personal growth, stressing that “preparation meets opportunity through diligence and hard work.”.

Students from Ugiomo Secondary School, Idia College, Army Day Secondary School, Asoro Grammar School, Ebomisi Senior Secondary School, and Evbareke Senior Secondary School participated in the session.

One of the student from Idia College, Igbinovia Osagioduwa, expressed gratitude to Mrs. Anani for celebrating girls on International Day of the Girl Child, appreciating the recognition of girls’ importance on this special day.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of souvenirs to participants and a group photograph session.