The Oyo State First Lady, Engr. Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde, has urged girls to pursue their dreams, speak out against abuse and take their education seriously, saying every girl deserves the opportunity to shape her future.
She made the call on Tuesday at the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child celebration held at the Civic Centre, Idi Ape, Ibadan.
Makinde urged girls not to allow their backgrounds or circumstances to limit their ambitions, encouraging them to believe in themselves, learn from their mistakes and make the most of available opportunities.
“Every girl deserves a childhood. Every girl deserves an education. Every girl deserves to be safe and respected. And every girl deserves the opportunity to determine her own future,” she said.
The First Lady, who described the event as her seventh and final celebration of the day in her capacity as the governor’s wife, urged girls to speak up against wrongdoing, defend their rights and support one another.
Sharing her personal experience, Makinde said she never imagined becoming the First Lady of Oyo State when she first arrived from Rivers State, adding that her journey showed that one’s starting point did not have to determine one’s destination.
“Your starting point does not have to be your finishing point,” she told the girls, urging them to remain focused on their education and aspirations.
She urged parents and guardians to protect their daughters, listen to their concerns and provide the support they need to thrive.
Makinde also called on teachers, religious leaders, community leaders and other stakeholders to work together to protect girls and expand their opportunities.
In her address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Joke Sanni, called for sustained efforts to protect girls’ rights and improve their access to education, healthcare and other opportunities necessary for their development.
She urged parents, guardians, schools and community leaders to work together to create a safe and supportive environment where girls could realise their potential, build confidence and contribute meaningfully to society.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Adewumi Ajetunmobi, identified sexual abuse, bullying, trafficking, early marriage and other forms of gender-based violence as threats to girls’ well-being.
She urged parents and other stakeholders to provide safe environments where girls could develop physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually.
Ajetunmobi also emphasised the importance of proper nutrition, emotional support and open communication between parents and their children.
She cautioned against substance abuse, citing its potential effects on girls’ health and education, and warned that early marriage could expose girls to pregnancy and childbirth complications.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Abiodun Ayodeji Aikomo, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Olubunmi Aare, urged girls to take their education seriously and avoid decisions that could jeopardise their future.
Aare, who said she attended public primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, encouraged the girls to remain committed to their studies regardless of their backgrounds. She also warned them against sexual exploitation.
Earlier, the Head of Service, Mrs Adenike Ayobami Fasina, urged the girls to understand their rights and responsibilities, describing education as a vital tool for achieving their ambitions.
As part of the programme, Makinde presented laptops to three outstanding candidates in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), who emerged as winners from the Irepo, Atisbo and Oyo academic zones.
The event was attended by government officials, education stakeholders, parents, teachers, community leaders, development partners and students.
