From Ene Oshaba, Abuja

The Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Youth on Gender Matters, Kehinde Charity Awujoola, has reassured Nigerian girls that their voices are being recognised, as the Federal Government deepens collaborations with Stand With A Girl Initiative (SWAG) to broaden youth-focused programmes nationwide.

Awujoola gave this assurance in Abuja while speaking at SWAG’s 10th anniversary celebration, themed “From Vision to Impact: Celebrating a Decade of Empowering Girls and Standing Strong.” The event also marked the organisation’s milestone of impacting more than two million lives.

She praised SWAG for its sustained commitment to advancing the cause of the girl-child over the past decade, describing its contributions as both significant and far-reaching. Although she noted that her direct engagement with the organisation began about three years ago, she acknowledged its consistent efforts in promoting girls’ development.

“SWAG has really done a lot. As Gen Z would say, nobody wins alone. It has been a wonderful 10-year journey. From the number of lives touched to its girl-child-centred and women-led programmes, it is truly commendable,” she said.

She also highlighted the organisation’s partnerships with groups such as Plan International, alongside its activities commemorating International Women’s Day, noting that SWAG continues to provide a platform for amplifying the voices of underserved girls.

In her address, SWAG’s Executive Director, Margaret Bolaji-Adegbola, reflected on the organisation’s growth, describing its evolution from a simple idea into a movement that has transformed millions of lives.

“Since 2016, SWAG has reached more than two million people across rural communities and urban informal settlements,” she stated.

According to her, the initiative currently operates in 13 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, with interventions spanning education, health, and girls’ empowerment.

“Two million and counting is more than a statistic. Behind every number is a girl whose life has been redirected with dignity and hope,” she added.

As part of the anniversary, Adegbola announced the rollout of SWAG’s 2026–2030 strategic plan, the launch of the NEXTGen@SWAG Academy, and the award of scholarships to 10 girls.

She also traced the organisation’s beginnings to 2014, when the idea was conceived during a journey from Abuja to Zaria, before its formal registration in 2016.

“Purpose does not always begin in grand spaces. Sometimes it begins with a decision to stand up, speak out, and create change,” she said.

Despite the progress recorded, she emphasised that major challenges persist, particularly the high number of out-of-school children, many of them girls, and entrenched sociocultural barriers that continue to limit opportunities.

“We still have millions of children out of school, and a significant number are girls. The data compels us to act,” she noted.

Adegbola called for stronger government commitment, especially in implementing gender-responsive policies, including improved school infrastructure and better access to menstrual hygiene support.

“We need not just policies, but proper implementation to ensure girls stay in school and thrive,” she added.

She further urged stakeholders and members of the public to support girls’ education through initiatives such as the Stand With A Girl Education Project (SWAGEP), stressing the importance of collective action in driving lasting change.

“To every girl, shine on despite the challenges. To parents, create enabling environments for your daughters. Together, we can build a better society,” she said.