Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the protection and empowerment of the girl-child, promising to tackle all forms of gender-based violence, discriminations, exploitations, political alienation and other social inequalities suffered by the female gender.
Obaseki gave the assurance in a message in Benin City to commemorate the 2020 International Day of the Girl-Child celebrated by the United Nations and its sister agencies.
The governor reassured that his government would continue to create an enabling environment for the girl-child to realise her fullest potential and occupy her rightful position in society.
He described the theme of the celebration, “My voice, Our equal future” as apt, noting that the girl-child will blossom if her needs and challenges are addressed.
According to the governor, “This day is a global moment to celebrate the power of the girl-child, highlighting her needs and addressing the challenges she faces including gender-based violence, human trafficking, early marriages, political alienation, female genital mutilation and all other forms of discrimination/exploitation.
“The girl-child will blossom if her needs and challenges are addressed. She needs quality education, a safe environment free from all forms of social inequalities; she needs to be loved, respected, appreciated and with equal rights,” adding that “the power and potential of the girl child are inexhaustible.”
