From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Wife of the Kwara State Governor, Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, has called for a collective effort from parents, teachers, guardians, agencies, and government parastatals to enforce stricter laws aimed at protecting the rights of the girl child and combating violence against them.
Speaking in Ilorin at the launch of the book “Safeguarding the Girl Child Against Societal Vices”, by Dr. Zainab Balogun, Mrs. Abdulrazaq emphasised the importance of gender inclusion in the state’s development.
She stressed that the Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, is committed to ensuring that women and girls contribute meaningfully to society.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Mrs. Abdulrazaq highlighted that the girl child faces numerous challenges that require urgent attention, asserting that the survival of society depends on the active participation of women.
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She also noted the need for a comprehensive strategy to prevent abuse, discrimination, and violence against girls, stressing that society cannot afford to ignore these issues.
“The girl child is faced with countless challenges that require immediate action. We must ensure that laws are in place to protect them from exploitation and abuse,” she said.
In her remarks, the Kwara State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Afolashade Opeyemi, represented by the Director of Child Affairs, Hajiya Alabi Idiat, assured that the state government has put robust laws in place to protect girls and would continue to safeguard them against all forms of violations.
One of the book’s reviewer, Dr. Lawal Olorungbebe, Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Engagement, noted that child abuse should not be viewed as a family curse.
He encouraged parents to allow their children the freedom to express themselves, enabling adults to understand what they might be going through.
Dr. Olorungbebe also commended the author, Dr. Balogun, for addressing the challenges faced by the girl child and proposing practical solutions to combat abuse in society.
In an interview with the press, Dr. Balogun, shared that her passion for improving the lives and welfare of the girl child inspired her to write the book.
She stressed that girls have the potential to achieve great things if given the right opportunities.
“My upbringing and strong family values encouraged me to write this book, with the hope that it will be a rallying point. Every girl or woman, if given the opportunity, will contribute positively and make life more meaningful for all,” Dr. Balogun said.
