The Christian Widows and Widowers Empowered Initiative Nigeria (CWWE Nigeria) has commemorated the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child with activities in Ondo and Nasarawa states, reaching 500 girls and advocating stronger action to end child marriage and protect girls’ rights, education, and future.

The celebrations, in Akure, Ondo State, and Akwanga, Nasarawa State, were organised around the United Nations theme:

“End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.” The Akure celebration took place at Fiwasaye Girls Secondary School, Alagbaka, Akure, with students and representatives from other schools participating in the programme.

The participating schools at the Akure centre were Fiwasaye Girls Secondary School, Alagbaka, Akure; Winners College Worldwide, Faninibi, Ondo Road, Akure; Ijo Mimo Oluwa High School, Oluwatuyi, Akure; Brilliant Brain Private Schools, Akure; and All Nations School, Akure.

The participation of these schools provided an opportunity to engage girls on their rights, education, personal development, and the importance of creating a safer future for every child.

A major highlight of the Akure celebration was an inspiring address by Mrs. Ademuyiwa, who emphasised that every girl deserves education, protection, dignity, and equal opportunities to fulfil her potential.

She warned that child marriage can deprive girls of their childhood, interrupt their education, and expose them to health risks, emotional distress, and economic dependence.

Ademuyiwa encouraged girls to pursue their dreams, stressing that their futures should not be limited to marriage. She called on parents, teachers, government institutions, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to work together to keep girls in school, protect them from abuse and exploitation, and promote their rights.

She also encouraged the girls to take their education seriously, resist negative peer pressure, recognise their worth, and seek help from trusted adults when necessary.

CWWE Nigeria expressed profound appreciation to the Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology for its support and cooperation in making the Akure celebration successful.

The organisation also expressed heartfelt gratitude to its longstanding partner, Sisters Journeying Together USA, for its consistent commitment to supporting and empowering girls in Africa.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of CWWE Nigeria’s founder, Beatrice Omowumi Yesufu, the Ondo State Coordinator, Elder Ajayi Akinmolade Samuel, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to girls’ education, protection, and empowerment.

He conveyed the founder’s vision of creating opportunities for vulnerable children and building communities where every girl can learn, grow, and thrive. The Akure event featured a vibrant cultural dance performance by students of Fiwasaye Girls Secondary School, adding excitement and cultural expression to the occasion.

The celebration combined education, advocacy, and entertainment, creating an engaging environment in which girls could learn, participate, and celebrate their potential. Through its activities in Ondo and Nasarawa States, CWWE Nigeria continues to champion girls’ rights and encourage collective action against child marriage and other harmful practices.