Helpline Social Support Initiative Empowers Girls in Kogi State »

In celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, the Helpline Social Support Initiative (HSSI), Abuja, launched the “Voice of the Girl Parliament” in Kogi State, empowering 80 secondary school girls to champion the rights of the girl child and children’s welfare. This initiative aims to provide young girls with the tools and platform needed to advocate for their rights and speak on issues impacting their future.

The event included a panel discussion titled “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” featuring prominent professionals from various fields, including law, banking, and entrepreneurship.

Delivering her keynote address, Barrister Tina Ejigah, who represented Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, Founder of HSSI, stressed the importance of girls owning their future by pursuing quality education and standing against practices like child marriage and abuse.

Barrister Olubunmi Shaibu Hamza, a lawyer and mental health expert, moderated the discussions.

Key topics explored during the panel included: Ensuring access to quality education for girls, protection from child marriage and gender-based violence, economic empowerment through skill acquisition and the value of mentorship and role models.

Several notable dignitaries graced the occasion, including Mrs. Bola Fabola, Mrs. Eunice Ekundayo Afolabi, Mrs. Funke Esseyin, Barrister Tina Ajinomoh, Hon. Charity Ijese, Hon. Ambassador Oladele John Nihi, Hon. Rotimi Olarenwaju, and artist Patience Ayegba (also known as Details Painter).

Many of these figures, alongside LMK Queens, parents, and teachers, came to support the cause and encourage the girls.

The “Voice of the Girl Parliament” aims to create a platform for girls to express themselves on issues affecting them, advocate for the promotion of girls’ education and empowerment, push for policies that protect and promote the rights of the girl child, as well as encourage leadership and mentorship among girls.

In his remarks, Hon. Sunday Folorunsho Baiye, representative of HSSI, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming turnout of over 1,000 girls from various schools across Kogi State. He also called for greater collaboration between the government and NGOs to further enhance the lives of children in Kogi State and across Nigeria.

The event’s highlight was the creative presentations by the girls, who used spoken word, poetry, drama, and cultural performances to share their visions and experiences.

Special appreciation was extended to all the partners, including the Big Dreams Foundation, Funke Esseyin Foundation, Hi-Speed Music, and Aseda Films Production, for their contributions to the success of the event.

For further information, please contact:

Helpline Social Support Initiative Abuja
Phone: 08133256373
Email: [email provided]

The International Day of the Girl Child celebration served as a vital reminder to address the challenges girls face and to foster an environment where they can become the future leaders and changemakers of Nigeria.