Women, Girls Will Get Special Attention – Okpebholo

Edo State governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, has said his administration would pay special attention to women and the girl-child to enhance their capacity and well-being.

Okpebolo gave the assurance as he joined leaders across the world to celebrate the girlchild as the world observes 2024 International Day of the Girlchild.

International Day of the Girlchild, observed on October 11, was established by the United Nations (UN), to focus on gender equality, education and healthcare, advocating for the rights of girls and inspiring global action towards a more inclusive future.

In a message by his legislative aide on media, Godswill Inegbe, the governor-elect said that his prospective administration would give a special focus on empowering women and inspiring hope for a better future in the girlchild.

Okpebholo used the occasion themed, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” to paint his vision for an Edo where girls would actively influence policies, business practices and research priorities.

“This year’s theme, ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future,’ emphasizes the urgent need for action and the hopeful aspirations of girls globally amid various challenges such as climate change, conflict and poverty.

“I wish to state that my administration will especially focus on child education, especially for girls, through initiatives and policies that will prioritise education and enhance learning in our dear state.

“We’ll create a platform to mobilise efforts to eliminate barriers and foster a more equitable and supportive environment for girls to thrive and contribute to society.

“As a proud father of two beautiful, respectful and intelligent girls, the future of the girlchild occupies a special place in my heart. I reaffirm my commitment to investing quality resources in the education, safety and well-being of our girls so that they can attain their full potential and compete fairly with their male counterparts across the globe,” he assured.