RismadarVoice Reporters
October 12, 2026
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Osun State Chapter, has called for increased investment in girls’ education, healthcare, safety, and economic empowerment to address challenges that limit their development and future opportunities.
The association appealed in a statement issued on Sunday to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, observed on October 11, under the theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future.”
The statement, jointly signed by the state Chairperson, Abisola Ariwodola, and Secretary, Oluwaranti Ojewumi, urged government authorities, traditional institutions, parents, and other stakeholders to strengthen efforts to protect girls’ rights and welfare.
NAWOJ described girls’ empowerment as essential to sustainable national development, stressing that providing young girls with education, healthcare and opportunities would contribute significantly to stronger families, communities and the wider society.
The association acknowledged progress in girls’ education and empowerment in Osun State but expressed concern over persistent challenges, including teenage pregnancy, child marriage, gender-based violence, school exclusion and unequal access to digital technology.
According to the association, poverty, harmful cultural practices and limited economic opportunities continue to prevent many girls from achieving their aspirations.
It maintained that meaningful development would remain difficult without deliberate measures to eliminate barriers preventing girls from accessing quality education and other essential opportunities.
NAWOJ therefore urged the government to increase funding for girls’ education from primary through tertiary levels, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), alongside vocational and entrepreneurial training.
The association also called for stronger enforcement of existing laws against sexual abuse, child marriage and other forms of violence affecting girls.
It emphasised the importance of digital inclusion programmes that would provide girls, especially those in underserved communities, with technological knowledge and skills relevant to emerging employment opportunities.
Beyond education, NAWOJ advocated economic empowerment programmes for parents and caregivers, explaining that financial hardship often contributes to school dropout and limits educational opportunities for girls.
The association further pledged to strengthen media advocacy by highlighting the achievements of girls, promoting their participation in public discussions and drawing attention to challenges affecting their welfare.
It commended the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke for initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of girls in Osun State, while calling for sustained investment and wider coverage of such programmes, particularly in rural communities.
NAWOJ reaffirmed its commitment to using journalism and public advocacy to promote policies that protect girls from exploitation, improve access to essential services and support their personal development.
The association urged communities, institutions and families to recognise girls as important contributors to national progress and provide the support necessary for them to realise their potential.
It concluded that sustained collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations, educational institutions and families would be essential to building a society in which every girl could grow, learn and pursue her ambitions without discrimination or preventable barriers.
