Refrain from Girl Child Discrimination — Kwara Gov Tells Parents, Guardians
By Kaosara Olayemi Oladimeji
Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has urged parents and guardians to refrain from discriminating against the girl child, emphasizing that girls have equal potential as boys.
This call was made during the 2024 International Girl Child’s Day, held at Stella Obasanjo Multipurpose Hall in Ilorin, with the theme “Girl Vision for the Future”.
AbdulRazaq, represented by Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, noted the state’s commitment to empowering girls through laws such as the Child’s Rights Law, Violence Against Persons and Prohibition (VAPP), and Gender Composition Law.
These laws, INCNews247 learnt ensure compulsory education and protection against violence, molestation, and discrimination.
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The Governor reaffirmed the state’s dedication to creating an enabling environment for girls to reach their full potential.
This sentiment was echoed by the First Lady, Amb. Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, who pledged to advocate for policies expanding girls’ access to education, healthcare, and protection from violence and exploitation.
Prof. Ruth Biola Adimula, the keynote speaker, tasked female children to acquire quality education to forestall inequality and discrimination.
She identified poverty, cultural norms, and inadequate infrastructure as major obstacles to girls’ survival and development, cautioning them against harmful behaviors such as drug abuse, premarital sex, and prostitution.
The Wife of the Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Mrs. Saadat Danladi, counselled parents and guardians to be friends to their children and wards, insulating them against negative tendencies.
She advised female children to focus on their goals and shun immoral actions.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Opeyemi Oluwakemi Afolashade, commended the Governor and the First Lady for restoring the integrity of the girl child through the Committee on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the State.
She described the girl child as an integral part of society with lofty ideas and intelligence.
The event was attended by notable figures, including the Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Dr. Abdul-Afeez Alabi Abolore, who represented the First Lady.
