The Girls and Youth Re-integration Network (GYRIN) is advocating for the establishment of a Girl Child Development Commission, and they’re calling on the Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, to lead the charge.
This appeal comes as the world celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child, highlighting the numerous challenges girls face globally, including limited access to education due to poverty, cultural barriers, and discriminatory practices
Comrade Samuel Kadiri, Executive Director of GYRIN, emphasized that these obstacles hinder girls’ potential and well-being, perpetuating a cycle of poverty, early marriage, and limited economic opportunities. It’s heartbreaking to note that one in five young women aged 20-24 were married as children, and nearly one in four partnered/married adolescent girls have experienced sexual or physical abuse
According to Kadiri, Girls and young women are disproportionately exposed to violence, exploitation, and abuse, with child marriage, female genital mutilation, and human trafficking being particularly pervasive threats. These injustices strip girls of their innocence, dignity, and future prospects, condemning them to lives marked by suffering, inequality, and lost potential, and underscore the urgent need for concerted efforts to protect and empower girls worldwide.
The Office of the Minister of State for Youth Development, in collaboration with the UNFPA and GYRIN, hosts an essay competition to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child. This inspiring event has led to an extraordinary gesture of empowerment, where Minister Ayodele Olawande has handed over his seat and office to 17-year-old Esther Adesanya Adesioye, a 100-level law student at the University of Abuja, for one day.
After a keenly contested competition, the judges declared Esther Adesoye the winner with a score of 83.5 points, closely followed by Ewaoluwa Jaiyeola with 57 points, and Abdullahi Rukayyat with 54.5 points.
The winners received cash prizes totaling ₦1 million:
- Esther Adesoye (1st): ₦500,000
- Ewaoluwa Jaiyeola (2nd): ₦300,000
- Abdullahi Rukayyat (3rd): ₦200,000
Esther emergence as the winner of the IDG Essay Competition, earned her the honor of becoming the one-day Minister of State for Youth Development. This symbolic transfer of power aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of creating a society where gender doesn’t dictate access to opportunities, enabling girls to pursue their dreams without limitations.
Honourable Minister Ayodele Olawande congratulated the winners, saying, “Esther’s achievement will inspire other young girls to pursue excellence and aspire for greater responsibilities.”
The Minister emphasizes the importance of empowering young girls to strive for excellence and take on greater responsibilities. This sentiment is especially significant in a society where cultural and social barriers often hinder girls’ potential.
Aluta News reports that the International Day of the Girl Child is a global celebration that highlights the challenges and potential of girls worldwide
This year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” emphasizes the need for urgent action and hope, driven by the power of girls’ voices and vision for the future. By supporting and empowering girls, we can unlock their potential and create a brighter future for all.