Delta State today joined the rest of the world in marking the International Day of the Girl child with the state Government reiterating it's commitment in providing more opportunities for young females in the state to actualize their potentials


since the pronouncement of the International Day of the Girl Child ten years ago, there had been increased attention to issues affecting girls, as the Day is aimed at opening up opportunities and
eliminating gender based challenges faced by young females around the world, bearing in mind the power and potentials inherent in the female gender.

Concluding activities marking the annual celebration at the unity hall, Government House, Asaba, the state capital, state Commissioner Ministry of Girlchild Entrepreneurship and Development, Mrs Nkechi Chukwurah said despite the attention paid to the Girlchild globally, one in three girls do not finish primary education in developing countries, 25,000 girls are victims of forced marriage, 50% of sexual assaults in the world involve girls under 16years, adding that all these factors inform the need for more advocacy for the rights of girls in Nigeria and beyond.

Mrs Chukwurah said the government of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa had upgraded the office of the Girlchild to that of a ministry, with the mandate to plan and execute programmes that would promote Empowerment and well-being of girls and young women in the state, which she noted was a testament of Governor Okowas commitment to the Empowerment of young females in the state.

She described the theme of the program Our Time is Now, Our Rights Our Future, as apt, adding that the time had come for all to invest in the future of the Girlchild and increase her earning potential.
SOUND

There were remarks from representatives of various Ministries and lectures on Menstrual Hygiene Management and Mental Health, Girls Rights and Removing barriers to challenges faced by girls in today's society, as well as dance fashion parade and other displays by the children.

Some of the young females who attended the event expressed happiness at this year's celebration, saying that they have been enlightened on how best to maximize their potentials.

SOUND

Highpoint was the presentation of gifts to the children