The Peace Oladiran Foundation has called on the government, parents, community leaders and other stakeholders to protect girl child against early marriage and safeguard the rights, dignity and future of young girls across Nigeria.
The foundation’s founder, Peace Oladiran, made the call during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child in Aba-Oko community, Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State. She stressed the need for collective action to ensure that every girl has access to education, practical skills and opportunities to achieve her full potential.
The 2026 celebration was held under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” which highlights the importance of ending child marriage, promoting girls’ education, amplifying their voices and addressing gender-based violence and digital inequality.
Speaking at the community-based programme, Oladiran emphasised the importance of investing in girls’ education and equipping them with skills that can help them become financially independent.
She advised parents who cannot afford formal education for their daughters to encourage them to acquire vocational skills that would enable them to earn a living and build a better future.
According to her, the foundation chose Aba-Oko for this year’s celebration to reach girls from different homes and schools, particularly those in rural communities where early marriage remains a concern.
“This year, for the International Day of the Girl Child, we decided to bring our programme to the Aba-Oko community in the rural area of Ido Local Government Area. Last year, we went to NUT Model College for a school-based programme, so this year, we decided to organise a community-based programme because the community brings together people from different schools and families,” she said.
Oladiran explained that the programme educated participants on how to avoid early marriage, understand their rights and identify trusted individuals they could approach for support.
“We educated them on how to avoid early marriage and invest in their rights. We also encouraged them to speak up, speak out, and identify people they can confide in,” she added.
The foundation’s founder called on the government and community leaders to treat girls’ rights with the same importance as those of boys, stressing that every child deserves equal opportunities to succeed.
She urged authorities to introduce empowerment programmes for girls from low-income families and expand access to free education to help more girls attain higher educational qualifications.
“The government and the community should not sideline girls. They must recognise that both males and females have equal rights and encourage every girl who aspires to go to school or learn a skill,” Oladiran stated.
She further called for targeted support for girls who cannot afford formal education, noting that access to vocational training and other empowerment initiatives could provide them with alternative pathways to financial independence.
Oladiran disclosed that the Peace Oladiran Foundation hopes to expand the programme next year by bringing together participants from different local government areas at a central venue.
She explained that the planned expansion would create opportunities to reach more girls through comprehensive activities, including sessions with guest speakers who would serve as mentors and role models.
The initiative is designed to strengthen awareness of girls’ rights while equipping participants with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to make informed decisions about their futures.
The representative of the Aba-Oko community, Mr. Moruf Olanrewaju, commended the foundation for organising the programme, describing it as an important step towards encouraging children to focus on personal development and future opportunities.
He noted that practical skills and educational initiatives could help young people become self-reliant while contributing to the development of their communities.
“Ultimately, empowering young minds with practical skills lays a solid foundation for self-reliance and community progress. When parents and community members come together to support such educational events, they invest directly in a future where children are equipped to make informed choices about their lives,” Olanrewaju said.
He added that continued participation in educational and vocational programmes would help young people develop their abilities and explore opportunities beyond early marriage.
According to him, providing girls with practical skills and positive alternatives would enable them to discover their potential and give families greater opportunities to support their children’s aspirations.
Dr. Olaide Oladiran, mother of the foundation’s founder, expressed appreciation to the leadership and residents of Aba-Oko for allowing the programme to take place and encouraging girls in the community to participate.
She explained that the second edition of the Peace Oladiran Foundation’s initiative successfully combined awareness activities with practical empowerment training.
With the support of community leaders, participating girls learned valuable life skills, including soap-making and hairdressing, alongside lectures designed to help them recognise their abilities and potential.
The programme also provided an opportunity for participants to make products they could use at home or sell to generate income.
Dr. Oladiran thanked the community leaders, volunteers and other supporters whose contributions helped make the event successful.
She said the foundation hoped to extend the initiative to other communities to reach more girls with practical skills, life lessons and economic empowerment opportunities.
The foundation expressed optimism that continued support and expansion would make the next International Day of the Girl Child celebration bigger and more impactful.
Through its advocacy, educational activities and vocational training, the Peace Oladiran Foundation aims to promote a future in which girls are protected against early marriage, supported in pursuing their ambitions and empowered to contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.
Be the first to comment