In order to ensure equitable and resilient societies, Nigerians and humans in general have been tasked to invest in and empower girls to aid them to share equal opportunities as their male counterparts for the world to benefit from their contributions as future leaders, innovators, and change-makers. The charge was given by Very Rev. Fr. Raymond Anoliefo, Director, Justice Development and Peace Centre (JDPC), Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos during the celebration of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, themed, “Encouraging Girls to Envision and Shape Their Future”, held recently at St. Thomas More Chaplaincy, Akoka Lagos.
Fr. Anoliefo called on governments, organisations, and individuals alike to ensure every girl child can envision and shape a future full of possibility, through education, mentorship, legal reforms, community programmes, among other ways to support girls’ rights and well-being. He urged girls to inculcate the principles of commitment, hard work as well as equip themselves with knowledge and skills needed to propel them to shape their future and the world around them. The priest tasked parents, teachers, among other adults to guide and support these young ones, adding that their influence can empower them (girls) to aim higher, believe in their potential, and overcome obstacles in their path. Fr. Anoliefo noted that creating a world where girls can freely envision and shape their future, means working together to remove barriers, provide opportunities, and nurture their aspirations.
According to him, “It means being role models of integrity, kindness, and perseverance and showing them, by example, that they have the strength to pursue their dreams. “Today, we gather not just to celebrate but to spark something powerful. We gather to recognise every girl’s strength, resilience, and potential here. This year’s theme is a call to action. It reminds us that every girl deserves the freedom to dream and the tools to build those dreams into a reality.” He drew the girls’ attention to role models such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who has used her voice to inspire others through her writing and advocacy for gender equality, as well as Dr. Stella Adadevoh, who saved countless lives with her bravery and commitment to others.
He advised them that aside equipping themselves with knowledge and skills, they should stay curious, and aim to achieve great feats, reiterating that education is a powerful force and the most significant asset in our journey here on earth. For Mrs. Stella Eze, the keynote speaker, she said the girl child needs support and encouragement and enabling environment from everyone, including the teachers, parents and brothers to envision and shape her future. To assure a good future, she urged the girl child to ensure they get education (formal or informal), be hardworking, develop themselves, be creative, confident, associate with the right people and draw close to God. The International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated on October 11 of every year.
