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,,,,,Emphasizes Collaborative Efforts to Safeguard the Rights of Girls, Combat Abuse.
By correspondent in Ilorin.
Prof.Olufolake Abdulrahzaq.
Prof. Olufolake Abdulrahzaq,the Wife of Kwara State Governor, has called for stronger collective action from parents, teachers, guardians, government agencies, and parastatals to implement stricter laws aimed at protecting the rights of the girl child and eliminating violence against them.
Speaking at the launch of Dr. Zainab Bolajoko Balogun’s book, Safeguarding the Girl Child Against Societal Vices, in Ilorin, Prof.Abdulrahzaq stressed the crucial role of gender inclusion in Kwara State’s development.
She expressed the commitment of the Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, to ensure that women and girls play an active role in the state’s progress.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, the state’s first lady emphasized that the girl-child faces multiple challenges, which demand urgent and comprehensive solutions.
She reiterated that a society’s survival and progress depend heavily on the active participation of women.
The professor called for a more integrated strategy to combat abuse, discrimination, and violence against girls, emphasizing that these issues cannot be overlooked.
“The girl-child faces a multitude of challenges that demand immediate intervention. We must enact stronger laws to protect them from all forms of exploitation and abuse,” she stated.
In her address, the Kwara State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Afolashade Opeyemi, represented by the Director of Child Affairs, Hajiya Idiat Alabi,reassured attendees that the state government has implemented strong laws to protect girls.
She pledged that the government would continue its efforts to shield them from all violations.
Dr. Lawal Olorungbebe, Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Engagement and a reviewer of the book, urged parents not to view child abuse as a family issue, but to create environments where children feel safe enough to speak out about their experiences.
He commended Dr. Zainab Bolajoko Balogun for addressing the challenges faced by the girl-child and for offering practical solutions to combat abuse.
In an interview with journalists, Dr. Balogun explained that her motivation for writing the book stemmed from her deep passion for improving the lives of girls.
She expressed optimism that that girls, if given the right opportunities, have the potential to achieve remarkable things.
“My upbringing and strong family values inspired me to write this book, I hope it will serve.as a catalyst for change. I believe every girl or woman, when given the chance, will contribute positively to society and make life more meaningful for all,”she said.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
