… As Social Welfare Perm Sec Lauds Fubara’s Administration
Nuye Aaron
As part of events commemorating the 2025 edition of the International Day of the Girl Child, the Rivers State Government has restated its commitment to the empowerment and protection of the Girl Child, in accordance with global efforts to promote gender equality and inclusion.
The State’s Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, who disclosed this in a goodwill message from Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasized the importance of investing in girls as a critical strategy for achieving sustainable development, peace, and social progress.
According to her, prioritizing the education of girls remains one of the most effective ways to unlock their potential and empower them to become agents of positive change in society.
She aaid, “The Rivers State Government believes that empowering women and girls is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic necessity for enduring growth and transformation.”
On this year’s theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis”, the Deputy Governor acknowledged the strength, resilience, and leadership of girls, especially those facing adversity, who continue to champion change in their communities and beyond.
She said the state is commited to creating opportunities that protect, educate, and uplift the Girl Child, particularly through ongoing investments in healthcare, education, skills development, and protection from all forms of abuse and exploitation.
In another development, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Lauretta Davies-Dimpka, praised the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara over what she described as its continued efforts to uplift the girl child and promote gender equality in the state.
According to her, education is a fundamental right and a catalyst for social change, noting the Ministry’s success in providing access to quality education for girls housed in its care facilities in Borikiri.
She said several of these girls “have graduated from tertiary institutions, while others are currently enrolled and progressing in their studies.”
The Permanent Secretary stated that the government prioritizes the health and well-being of girls, and is actively addressing critical issues concerning the girl child.
Such issues, she said, include menstrual hygiene, teenage pregnancy, child marriage, personal hygiene, and other girl-related challenges through one-on-one counseling and targeted sensitization campaigns.
Davies-Dimpka revealed that in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria, the Ministry is also conducting media sensitization on gender-based violence across the state, and called on the public to speak out against all forms of abuse, while encouraging survivors to seek help and share their stories as a way to combat the rising trend.
She further disclosed that the Ministry has recently validated the Alternative Care Guidelines for Rivers State, a significant step towards strengthening the state’s child welfare and protection systems.
While urging parents, guardians, community leaders, and stakeholders to actively support and invest in the empowerment of girls, especially those living with disabilities, stressing that an inclusive approach is essential for sustainable development, she encouraged girls across the state to remain focused, resilient, and determined.
She also assured them of the Ministry’s continued support in their pursuit of education, leadership, and personal growth.
The International Day of the Girl Child was established by the United Nations in 2012 and has been celebrated annually on October 11. It aims to raise awareness and promote action to address the challenges girls face while advocating for their rights and empowerment.
RSG Recommits To Girl Child Rights Promotion
