By Clement Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Former Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023 general election, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has reaffirmed his commitment to the empowerment of the girl child, calling for improved access to quality education, adequate protection and opportunities for girls to develop their talents and fulfil their aspirations.
Okowa made the call in a message commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child, released on his official X handle on Sunday.
He said his strong support for girls was informed not only by his experience as a father of three daughters but also by his recognition of the immense potential girls possess and the challenges they face in society.
“I have always believed in the girl child, and I am unapologetically biased in her favour,” he said, noting that girls are often overlooked despite their capacity to make significant contributions to societal development.
He stressed that families, communities and society at large have a responsibility to create an enabling environment where every girl can access quality education, receive adequate protection and benefit from capacity-building opportunities.
According to him, girls should be given the necessary support to develop their skills, realise their potential and pursue their dreams without being hindered by discrimination, unfavourable circumstances or societal limitations.
Okowa maintained that investing in girls was essential to building a stronger future, arguing that such investments would benefit not only the girls themselves but also their families, communities and future generations.
“A society that invests in its girls secures a stronger future for its families, communities and generations to come,” he stated.
He urged stakeholders to move beyond symbolic celebrations of the girl child and take practical steps to guarantee their well-being, development and equal opportunities.“On this International Day of the Girl Child, let us move beyond celebrating girls to creating the conditions that enable them to thrive,” he added.
The former governor of Delta State emphasised that every girl deserves the opportunity to realise her full potential, calling for sustained efforts to remove barriers that prevent girls from achieving their aspirations.
Precise Post recalls that the International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually on October 11 to highlight the challenges facing girls, promote their rights and draw attention to the importance of empowering them to participate fully in society.
This year’s commemoration provides an opportunity for governments, organisations, families and communities to renew their commitment to protecting girls and ensuring that they have access to education, resources and opportunities needed to thrive.
