Marriage
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending child marriage and expanding girls’ educational opportunities through legal protection and mentorship.
The government said on Friday that it would also do so through inclusive learning and technology-driven skills development.
Some Lagos State officials and other stakeholders gave the assurance at the state’s Girl-Child Day 2026 Innovate-Eko STEAM Mentorship Series.
The event was held at the Lagos State University of Education, Oto-Ijanikin, in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl-Child.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Day of the Girl-Child is observed globally every Oct. 11 to raise awareness about the unique challenges girls face and promote their empowerment and human rights.
The event had the theme, ‘End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights’.
It was organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor on Education.
The state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, said the state was expanding quality education, improving science laboratories and digital learning tools, as well as strengthening policies against discrimination.
“Through initiatives like Innovate-Eko, we are equipping girls with problem-solving skills, creativity and confidence to tackle real-life challenges and pursue opportunities in STEAM-related fields,” he said.
Alli-Balogun said the Innovate-Eko STEAM Mentorship Series connected girls with experienced women in science, engineering, technology and creative industries, encouraging careers traditionally dominated by men.
Mrs Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, pledged stronger support for girls’ empowerment.
She was represented by Mrs Dorosimi Olajumoke from the Office of the Chief of Staff, Lagos State Government.
Dokunmu-Adegbite said that equal opportunities were essential in helping girls to fulfil their potential.
“Every girl deserves the opportunity to fulfil her potential.
“Educate, protect and encourage our daughters because the future of our society must include our girls,” she said.
Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs Mojisola Miranda, called for stronger enforcement of child protection laws and sustained investment in girls’ education.
Miranda said effective enforcement, adequate funding and coordinated action by governments, families, traditional rulers, religious leaders and communities were necessary to protect girls from harmful cultural practices.
“A law that is not enforced leaves a child exposed. Cultural sensitivity must never become an excuse for violating a child’s rights,” she said.
Mr Opeyemi Eniola, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Secondary Education, urged stakeholders to support girls through scholarships, mentorship, vocational training and stronger safeguards against gender-based violence.
“A girl child deserves a book, not a wedding ring; a classroom, not a forced marriage, and the freedom to shape her own future,” he said.
Eniola said training in Artificial Intelligence, robotics and data analytics could prepare girls for emerging employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
He urged parents and communities to reject child marriage and support girls’ education, stressing that collective action would help children to fulfil their potential without discrimination.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, urged girls to be focused on their studies and resist pressure to enter marriage early.
Ogunlende said interactions with successful women at the event should inspire girls to overcome challenges and prepare for leadership roles.
“Your duty is to pay attention in school and stay focused. Get a book, not a ring; be in your classrooms, not in marriages,” he said.
Mrs Titilayo Rhodes-Vivour, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, urged girls to protect their privacy and reject inappropriate advances or unwanted physical contact.
She cautioned against exposing private parts, emphasising girls’ right to bodily autonomy.
“As girls, you must know when the opposite sex is crossing boundaries. Boldly speak up and report anyone who crosses boundaries,” she added.
Princess Damilola Sonayo-James, Lagos State Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All ProgressivesCongress, noted that the state’s Child’s Rights Law prohibited child marriage.
She added that the law guaranteed girls, whose education was interrupted by pregnancy, an opportunity to return to school after child delivery.
“The law protects girls against child marriage and guarantees those, who become pregnant before completing their education, the opportunity to return to school after delivery,” she said.
She said the state’s plan of action to empower female adolescents prioritised education, healthcare, economic opportunities and social protection.
She added that the state’s Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics programmes and mentorship supported girls facing educational barriers.
Sonayo-James said that Project Zero and the Lagos Education Assistance Fund were helping to return out-of-school children back to classrooms.
She stressed the need for balanced interventions protecting both girls and boys, adding that sustained investment in education, protection and leadership opportunities would promote a safer society
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured a panel session and provided an opportunity for girls to ask questions and be counselled by the speakers.
The APC deputy governorship candidate distributed copies of a book entitled ‘Who is She’ to the girls, while Ogunlende gave cash awards to some girls who demonstrated boldness during the question-and-answer session.(NAN)
