Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, has described girl child as catalysts for positive change.
This is as he called for comprehensive access to menstrual hygiene and opportunities for all girls.
According to a statement by Olamide Tiamiyu, his spokesperson, Egbedun made this call while speaking at the first-ever Nigeria Girls Special Parliamentary Day, organized by Value Female Network Africa.
Egbedun highlighted the importance of recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by girls, particularly in regards to menstrual hygiene, access to education, and opportunities for personal and professional development.
The Speaker, who is also a proud father of three girls, emphasised the importance of empowering girl child and highlighted the potential that they hold as future leaders in Nigeria.
He urged the young women to amplify their voices and advocate for change, stating: “Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. You are the future of this great nation and I believe in you.”
Egbedun also called on the attendees to challenge gender inequalities that exist in society, emphasizing the need for access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for girl child.
He said: Today, we have the opportunity to come together and amplify our voices, to advocate for change and to inspire one another to make a difference. I believe that by working together, we can overcome the challenges that girls in Nigeria face, including limited access to education, gender-based violence, and menstrual health.”
“The future of our country rests in the hands of our young people, and the young girls here today have the potential to become the leaders of tomorrow.”
“I would like to express my gratitude to the organizers of this event, Value Female Network Africa, for their commitment and dedication to this cause. Your work is truly inspiring and I thank you for bringing us all together today.”
“I would also like to extend my thanks to my dear wife, Princess Monsurat Egbedun, who is a beacon of strength and support in my life.”
“To the young girls here today, I want to say that your voices are powerful and your dreams are valid. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. You are the future of this great nation and I believe in you.”
“This day is just the beginning. As we move forward, let us continue to stand together and work towards a brighter future for all girls in Nigeria. Together, we can create a more equitable society where all girls have access to education, healthcare, and opportunities to succeed.”
“This is the first Nigerian Girl Child Parliamentary Day, it is significant because it gives Adolescent girlnto speak directly to those who are to attention ro their needs . We hope we could translate it to other states.”
“We are here for the girls to talk directly to their representatives, how the issue of menstrual hygiene and rape and it affects them.
“I challenge each and every one of you here today to take the lessons learned from this event and use them to inspire change in your communities. You are the catalysts for change and I believe in your ability to make a difference.”
He thanked the organisers of the event for their dedication and also thanked his wife, Princess Monsurat Egbedun, for her constant support.
Earlier, the Executive Director of Value Female Network Africa, Dr. Costly Aderibigbe-Saba in her opening remark said the organization was celebrating the potential in girl child and young women.
“Today, we celebrate the potential of the young women in our country and call for change that will create a more equal and just society.”
“For too long, girls in Nigeria have been denied the opportunities that their male counterparts have been afforded. Today, we say no more.”
She went on to express the need for collective action to address the challenges that girls in Nigeria face.
The event was graced by several high-profile attendees including Mrs Olusola Jenyo, who represented the wife of the Governor; Erelu Ngozi Adeleke, the wife of the Speaker, Princess Monsurat Egbedun; the Commissioner for Health, Barrister Jola Akintola, Attorney General, Barrister Jimi Bada, PS Ministry of Health, Dr. Isiaka Adekunle, Director Child Development, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mr Adebowale Suleiman Rufai, the State Coordinator of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Oluwatoyin Ojediran; and the Chairman of the Imole Youth Corps, Chief Ayodele amongst other distinguished guests.
