…….Says Investing In Girls Is Investing In Community.
Emmanuel Ikpeama
Oto Awori,Lagos— The Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area has rolled out a new initiative to groom disciplined, educated and empowered young women, with Executive Chairman Kareem Azeez Abiodun declaring that neglecting the girl child amounts to mortgaging the community’s future. 
The Girl Child Development, Leadership and Values Re-orientation Programme was launched on Wednesday at the Council Secretariat. It is themed: “Raising the Total Girl Child: Character, Education, Leadership and Responsible Citizenship.”
The programme is being driven by the Council’s Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Department.
Speaking at the launch, Chairman Kareem said the initiative will combine character training, educational support, leadership development, digital and vocational skills, health education, mentorship and protection from abuse.
“My administration is committed to raising girls who are confident, educated, disciplined and bold enough to lead,” he said.
He added that integrity, hard work and respect are non-negotiable values, and called on parents, teachers, schools, traditional and religious leaders as well as NGOs to join hands in keeping girls safe, educated and empowered.
Supervisor for Women Affairs and Girl Child,Princess Oluwabunmi Moyinoluwa Akapo, welcomed parents, students and stakeholders, describing the programme as a deliberate investment in raising confident, future-ready young women who can serve as role models in their communities.
Council Manager, Mrs. Whenu Olamide, also commended the Chairman for the initiative.
She noted that it balances academic pursuit with attention to the peculiar developmental needs of the girl child, calling it a timely step toward providing the right support structures.
Investigator news reports that the event featured lectures and interactive sessions from education and leadership experts.
Mrs. Aina Omobolanle Oyenike of Lagos State University’s Department of Educational Foundations and Counselling Psychology spoke on child development and character formation.
Dr. Fowowe Simeon Sunday, National President of Early Childhood and Basic Education Instructors in Nigeria, addressed the girls on education and values, while Dr. Kehinde Akeem spoke on leadership and digital responsibility.
Celebrity Yoruba actress Ayandotun Emmanuel, popularly known as Ayoka Ologede, also inspired the girls. She urged them to take their education seriously, build confidence and uphold strong values.
Parents were equally charged to pay closer attention to their children’s health, safety and associations.
The Council said the programme will run as a continuous platform to mentor and equip girls in Oto-Awori LCDA for leadership and responsible citizenship.
