No fewer than 800 school girls from the various primary and secondary schools across the three Senatorial Districts of Nigeria’s Akwa Ibom marked 2022 International Day of the Girl Child at the prestigious Ibom Hall, Uyo.
The Akwa Ibom Governor’s wife, Dr. Mrs. Martha Emmanuel, equally joined the State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee in celebrating the girl child on Tuesday, October 11.
Ekaette Ebong Okon, a Ph.D holder, accomplished educationist, politician and role model delivered a keynote address on the theme of the celebration, Our Time is Now, Our Rights, Our Future.
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Meanwhile, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, (NAWOJ), Akwa Ibom Council on the International Day of the Girl Child, joined in celebrating every girl child who despite the odds, has excelled and made a difference by becoming a success story and making worthy contributions that positively impacts the society.
A release by the Chairperson of the association, Nsikak Okon Nsikak Edmund Okon and Secretary, Patience John has acknowledged the Shining Stars of sports in Akwa Ibom State – World Record holder in the Junior category of the 400 metres currently studying at the Baylor University in the United States of America, Imaobong Nse Uko; and another outstanding athlete from Akwa Ibom State, Aniekeme Alphonsus currently on scholarship in an American University.
The union described the theme of the 2022 celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, “Our Time is Now, Our Rights, Our Future,’ as definitive and a clarion call on the girl child to be free from all forms of biases and her rights restored.
AKNAWOJ also celebrated the Girl Child with special abilities who despite the challenges of daily strives and struggles, looks up to others to overcome the tasks ahead of them each day; pledging to remain a caring voice that will speak out on behalf of victims of abuse, provide shoulders for the girls to lean on and advocate for intentional measures that will encourage the Girl Child to grow and fulfill her God-given potentials, while adding value to the society.
The Association also commended the wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr Martha Udom Emmanuel for setting up her Pet Project – FEYReP and using it to protect the girl child, defend and nurture her to greatness.
NAWOJ called for the strict implementation of the VAPP Law in the state and Justice secured for survivors of rape and all forms of violence; with an appeal to churches, communities, Government, groups and organizations to preach against rape, teenage pregnancy, child marriage, female genital mutilation, child slavery and other harmful practices against the girl child, who deserves to be treated with love, care and respect.
In his solidarity message, Obong Akanimo Udofia, Akwa Ibom governorship candidate, All Progressives Congress, said, ‘‘From the girl child springs a fundamental source of transformation in our society. With traits of resourcefulness, tenacity and resilience, the girl child grows into a radical and essential curator of our community and the architect of our tomorrow.
‘‘As a father to many daughters, I am conscious that their time, their rights, and their future is now. My family and I join in celebrating the International Day of the Girl Child with the theme “Our time is now—our rights, our future.”
‘‘There is no better time than now to celebrate this gifted treasure who only needs a chance and a champion to reach as high as humanly possible. We must demonstrate commitment to continuously champion the cause of the girl child while offering her the chance to show the world that she is much more than she is assumed to be.
I celebrate the Girl Child today and always!’’
On December 19, 2011, United Nations General Assembly passed resolution 66/170 and declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.
The day was first observed in October 11, 2012 by the United Nations. This year commemorates the 10th anniversary of the International Day of the Girl. The day focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their rights.
“Girls around the world continue to face unprecedented challenges to their education, their physical and mental wellness, and the protections needed for a life without violence. Girls with disabilities face additional barriers to accessing support and services,” the United Nations official website reads.
The UN called for government officials, policymakers and stakeholders to make more targeted investments that tackle inequalities experienced by girls, engaging key female influencers across industries to be the face of change and amplifying the commitment to raise awareness about and addressing factors that hold girls in your country and region back.
Highlight at the occasion was a panel discussion by permanent Secretaries in the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service: Mrs. Margaret Edem of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare; Stella Etukakpan of the Hospitals Management Board, Mrs. Rose Bassey Essang of the Ministry of Education and Akparawa James Edet of the Ministry of Information and Strategy.
