……….donates sanitary pads to over hundred students
Jane Salihu
The Senior Special Assistant on Electronic Media to the Kogi State Governor, Office of the First Lady, Janet Ovayoza Samuel, has urged girls to understand their rights, speak up against abuse and exploitation, and protect their future through education.
Janet, a professional journalist and advocate for the girl child, gave the advice while addressing students of Enfedam Academy in Karu, Abuja, during the celebration of the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, themed “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.”
Speaking on the topic, “Know Your Rights: Protecting the Girl Child from Abuse and Exploitation,” she stressed that every girl deserves protection, dignity, education and the opportunity to fulfil her potential, irrespective of her family background or present circumstances.
She cautioned against child marriage, noting that forcing girls into marriage while they are still children could disrupt their education, expose them to health risks and limit their opportunities for personal development.
According to her, girls should be given the opportunity to grow, learn, discover their talents and prepare for adulthood rather than being forced into marriage before they are ready.
The girl child advocate also educated the students on different forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional and online exploitation, urging them to recognise warning signs and seek help from trusted adults whenever their safety is threatened.
She emphasised that abuse is never the fault of the child, encouraging girls experiencing abuse or exploitation to speak up and c
ontinue seeking help until someone listens.
Janet further urged the students to take their education seriously, resist negative peer pressure, choose their friends wisely and remain confident in their ability to achieve their aspirations.
She reminded them that their worth was not determined by their family background or present circumstances, stressing that every girl deserved respect, protection and the opportunity to develop her abilities.
The media aide encouraged the students to identify their interests, nurture their talents and work towards their dreams, whether in journalism, medicine, law, engineering, entrepreneurship or other professions.
She urged them to remember three key messages from her presentation: “I am valuable, my rights matter, and my future deserves to be protected.”
The Director of Enfedam Academy, Mrs Oluwabunmi Sholanke, was also among the speakers at the event.
Sholanke spoke on puberty and personal hygiene, educating the students on the physical changes associated with adolescence and the importance of taking proper care of their bodies during this stage of development.
Other speakers also addressed the students on issues relating to their growth, well-being and development.
The high point of the celebration was the distribution of sanitary pads to the students to support menstrual hygiene and promote the health, dignity and well-being of the girl child.
The event also featured a film show, music and dance, adding colour to the celebration.
The programme provided an opportunity to raise awareness about girls’ rights, promote menstrual health and hygiene, discourage child marriage and encourage a safe environment where girls can learn, grow and pursue their aspirations without fear of abuse or exploitation.
