The First Lady of Oyo State, Tamunomini Makinde, has called for stronger protection of girls against abuse, human trafficking, child marriage and substance misuse, urging parents, teachers and community leaders to work together to safeguard their future.

Makinde gave the charge during the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl-Child at the Civic Centre, Agodi, Ibadan, where she urged stakeholders to move beyond advocacy and take concrete steps to protect girls’ rights.

She said every girl deserves access to education, safety, respect and opportunities to fulfil her potential, adding that families and communities have a responsibility to create an environment in which girls could thrive.

The Oyo First Lady, who said she had hosted the yearly celebration for seven years, noted that the initiative had consistently focused on girls’ education, health, safety, rights and future prospects.

According to her, this year’s theme, “End Girl-Child Marriage and Engage in Girls’ Rights,” underscores the need to protect girls from practices that threaten their development and deny them the opportunity to shape their futures.

Makinde, therefore, urged the girls not to allow their backgrounds or societal expectations to limit their ambitions.

She also encouraged them to take their education seriously, believe in themselves, seek mentors and remain focused on their goals.

Makinde, who said she had once been a girl with dreams of attending university and making the most of available opportunities, although she had never imagined becoming the First Lady of Oyo State, urged the girls to speak up, ask questions and support one another, noting that leadership began with taking responsibility rather than waiting to occupy positions of authority.

She, however, appealed to parents and guardians to prioritise their daughters’ education, welfare and protection, while encouraging teachers to mentor and support girls in pursuing their ambitions.

In her remarks, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, identified sexual abuse, bullying, trafficking, early marriage and other forms of gender-based violence as threats to girls’ well-being.

She urged parents and other stakeholders to provide safe environments in which girls could develop physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually.

Ajetunmobi also stressed the importance of proper nutrition, emotional support and open communication between parents and children.

She cautioned against substance misuse because of its potential effects on girls’ health and education, warning that early marriage could expose young girls to complications associated with pregnancy and childbirth.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Joke Sanni, called for sustained efforts to protect girls’ rights and improve their access to education, healthcare and other opportunities.

She urged parents, guardians, schools and community leaders to create supportive environments where girls could build confidence, develop their abilities and contribute meaningfully to the society.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Ayodeji Aikomo, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Olubunmi Aare, advised girls to remain committed to their education and avoid decisions that could jeopardise their future.

Aare, who said she attended public primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, encouraged the students to pursue their studies regardless of their backgrounds. She also warned against sexual exploitation.

Earlier, the Head of Service, Adenike Fashina, urged girls to understand their rights and responsibilities, describing education as a vital tool for achieving their ambitions.

As part of the programme, Makinde presented laptops to three outstanding candidates in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination who emerged as winners from the Irepo, Atisbo and Oyo academic zones.

Government officials, education stakeholders, parents, teachers, community leaders, development partners and students attended the event.