IDGC: OSUN NAWOJ CALLS FOR GREATER INVESTMENT IN GIRLS’ EDUCATION, HEALTH AND PROTECTION
Osun State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, has called on government, traditional institutions, parents and stakeholders to intensify investment in the education, health and protection of the girl child.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Osun NAWOJ Chairperson, Comrade Abisola Ariwodola and Secretary Oluwaranti Ojewumi to mark the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child with the theme: “Girls’ Vision for the Future.”
Osun NAWOJ said the girl child remains the foundation of every society and that her progress directly determines the growth and development of families, communities and the nation at large.
The association noted that while some progress has been made in girl child education and empowerment in Osun State, challenges such as teenage pregnancy, child marriage, gender-based violence, out-of-school girls, and digital exclusion still limit the potential of many girls.
“As women journalists, we see daily how the dreams of many girls are cut short by poverty, cultural barriers and lack of access to opportunities. The future we all envision for Osun and Nigeria cannot be achieved if we continue to leave the girl child behind,” the statement read.
For the girl child to thrive in an enabling environment Osun NAWOJ therefore call on the government for increased funding for girl child education from primary to tertiary level, with emphasis on STEM and vocational skills.
The government also needs to put in place and implement for the girl child, stronger enforcement of laws protecting girls against sexual abuse, child marriage and other forms of violence.
The female journalists association advocated Digital inclusion programs to equip girls with technology skills for the future of work, while also calling on support for parents and caregivers through economic empowerment to reduce dependence that forces girls out of school.
As the voice of the female gender, Osun NAWOJ says there will be more media visibility for positive girl child stories to inspire the next generation of female leaders.
The association commended the Osun State Government under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke for ongoing initiatives aimed at girl child development and urged that such programs be sustained and expanded to reach girls in rural communities.
Osun NAWOJ also pledged to continue using its media platforms to amplify the voices of girls, report issues affecting them, and advocate for policies that guarantee their rights and wellbeing.
“On this International Day of the Girl Child, we reaffirm our commitment as NAWOJ to be the voice of the voiceless. When you empower a girl, you empower a nation. Let us all work together to secure the future our girls deserve,” the statement concluded.