…Gov Aiyedatiwa is committed to the protection of Girlchild -Dr. Seun Osamaye
The Ondo State Government has launched the “Tech a Girl; Pad a Girl Child” initiative, distributing 5,000 sanitary towels to schoolgirls across selected secondary schools in the state.
The initiative aims to address two critical areas, including digital empowerment and menstrual hygiene, which are vital for the holistic development of young girls in the state.
As part of activities marking the International Day of the Girlchild, the Ondo state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, in her welcome address, said 1000 students from schools across the Central senatorial district were in attendance saying that the program was aimed to empower schoolgirls and also make boy children understand and respect the girls, especially during their monthly flow.
Dr. Seun Osamaye explained that the programme would also continue in other senatorial districts saying that the empowerment of girls with tech skills aligns with the state government’s commitment to empowering young girls and preparing them for opportunities in the digital era, commending the Ondo state government for prioritizing programmes that advance the well-being and empowerment of girls across the state.
She noted that there was a need to create a world where girls are not limited by gender, poverty, or societal stereotypes, calling for collective responsibility of parents, leaders, teachers, and advocates
Speaking on this year’s theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis, Dr Osamaye highlights the resilience and leadership potential of the girl child even in challenging circumstances.
She said Girls should not just see themselves as just beneficiaries of development or victims, but a powerful drivers of change.
The Guest speaker at the program, who is also the Chairman of the Ondo State Information Technology Agency, SITA, Tomide Akinribido, engaged them in STEM education.
Tomide Akinribido, said the initiative was aimed at empowering the girl child through training in data analysis, graphic design, and ICT, to ensure computer literacy and promote confidence in technology and education.
Hon Akinribido emphasized that the state’s vision is to empower young girls with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in a rapidly advancing digital world, noting that technology and education are key areas where the girl child must not be left behind.
Another guest speaker at the program, who is also a Full Board Member of the Ondo State Hospital Management Board, Mrs. Aarinola Adamolekun, during her session educated the children on healthy living and personal hygiene
Mrs Adamolekun, urged the students not to allow fear or shame to limit them, especially during their menstrual periods.
Mrs Adamolekun who advised the girls to understand and track their menstrual cycles, encouraged them to view menstruation not as a punishment, but as a natural and necessary phase of womanhood.
She also appealed to male students to treat their female classmates with respect and empathy, particularly when they observe a girl experiencing her monthly flow, stressing that “boys should protect, not ridicule, their sisters and classmates.
Students from over 18 secondary schools, drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state, benefited from the gesture and participated in training sessions on digital literacy and menstrual health management
Flagging off the initiative, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, emphasized that the Ondo State government is investing in the future of children through quality education.
Prof Ajibefun who said the program was to celebrate the girl child, as they are more important in society, as pronounced in the past.
He said the Ondo state government will continue to prioritize the welfare and educational standards of the girl child saying celebrating them will propel them to put in their best.
Speaking with some of the beneficiaries of the program, appreciated the Ondo state government for prioritizing the welfare of the children in the state, and promised to make use of the knowledge imparted to them at the program.
