The commitment was highlighted during activities marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, held at the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Oto-Ijanikin, on Friday, October 9.

The event, organised under the Innovate-Eko STEAM Mentorship Series through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Education, Opeyemi Eniola, was held under the theme, “Invest in Girls’ Rights. End Child Marriage.”

Government officials, education stakeholders and other participants used the occasion to call for stronger protection of girls against child marriage and other harmful practices, while advocating greater access to education, mentorship and professional opportunities.

Delivering the keynote address, Princess Damilola Sonayo-James, the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate, stressed that every girl deserves the opportunity to receive an education, pursue her ambitions and contribute meaningfully to society.

She called for more investment in girls’ development, noting that efforts to end child marriage must go hand in hand with access to education, leadership opportunities and practical skills.

Sonayo-James also urged stakeholders to look beyond classroom learning by providing girls with mentorship, digital skills, vocational training and leadership development that could prepare them for future responsibilities.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, who delivered the guest-of-honour address, emphasised the importance of giving girls equal access to quality education and the support required to succeed academically and professionally.

He said girls should be encouraged to pursue careers in scientific research, technology, engineering, creative industries and leadership without discrimination or restrictive social expectations.

The commissioner called on parents, teachers, school administrators and policymakers to create an environment where girls can discover their abilities, develop confidence and pursue their ambitions.

Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, also stressed the need to protect girls from harmful practices and ensure they can make informed decisions about their education and future.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, encouraged girls to remain focused, attentive and confident as they work towards their goals.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, represented by Muslimat Olajumoke Durosinmi, urged parents, teachers and communities to respect and protect the rights of girls while supporting their personal development and aspirations.

Earlier, Eniola said the initiative reflected a collective commitment to investing in the education, health, safety and leadership potential of every girl.

He highlighted the role of inclusive education, STEAM programmes and mentorship initiatives in helping girls overcome barriers that may interrupt their schooling.

According to him, the state’s Alternative Secondary School for Girls is also intended to provide opportunities for those whose education has been disrupted by circumstances including early marriage, poverty and teenage pregnancy.

The programme featured interactive sensitisation sessions on domestic and sexual violence, as well as health and hygiene. The sessions were facilitated by the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilayo Vivour-Adeniyi, and the Special Adviser on Health, Tolani Adeyemi.

Other participants included the Permanent Secretary and Tutor-General of Education District V, Dauda Hassan; the Vice-Chancellor of LASUED, Professor Bilikis Lafiaji-Okuneye; and the Executive Secretary of the Lateef Jakande Academy, Aisha Agbaje, who took part in a fireside discussion.

The event ended with a call on parents, educators, policymakers and community leaders to strengthen efforts to protect girls’ rights, prevent child marriage and expand access to education and mentorship.

The organisers maintained that sustained investment in girls’ education and empowerment is essential to building a more inclusive society where every girl has the opportunity to develop her abilities and contribute to the country’s future.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia