INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD 2026: CP OJAJUNI CHAMPIONS GIRLS’ RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT, ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SOCIAL VICES

PRESS RELEASE

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD 2026: CP OJAJUNI CHAMPIONS GIRLS’ RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT, ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SOCIAL VICES

The Ogun State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, has reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of the girl child, promoting academic excellence and preventing social vices. In furtherance of this commitment, the Command, through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), extended its sensitisation campaign to Abeokuta Girls’ Grammar School (AGGS) and Baptist Girls’ College, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.

The outreach, led by the POCACOV State Coordinator, ASP Opeyemi Oluborode, aligned with the global theme, “End Child Marriage & Invest in Girls’ Rights,” and underscored the Command’s commitment to child protection, youth development and proactive crime prevention.

Speaking on the topic, “Breaking Boundaries: Shaping the Future of the Girl Child,” ASP Oluborode addressed students, school administrators and staff on the progress made in advancing women’s rights, gender equality and access to education. He highlighted the need to protect girls against child marriage, discrimination, abuse and other harmful practices, drawing attention to applicable legal safeguards, including the Child Rights Act as domesticated in relevant jurisdictions.

He encouraged the students to draw inspiration from the achievements of Nigerian women across various professional fields, emphasising that gender should never be a barrier to excellence. He stressed that education, discipline, self-confidence and determination are essential to personal development and national progress, urging the girls to pursue their ambitions with integrity and purpose.

The students were also sensitised to the dangers of cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, negative peer influence and other social vices capable of undermining their education, safety and future aspirations. They were encouraged to reject child marriage, speak up against abuse and seek assistance from trusted adults and appropriate authorities whenever their rights or safety are threatened.

In response, the students pledged to shun social vices, resist child marriage, uphold their rights and responsibilities, and remain committed to academic excellence.

The management of both institutions commended the Nigeria Police Force for the initiative. The Principal of Baptist Girls’ College, Mrs Osunbara, and Mrs A. Akeweje, Vice Principal (Administration), who represented the Principal of AGGS, appreciated CP Ojajuni for prioritising child protection, youth development and proactive engagement with educational institutions. The Senior Prefects of both schools also expressed appreciation and assured the Command of the students’ commitment to the lessons learnt.

CP Ojajuni emphasised that protecting children and empowering young people remain important components of effective crime prevention. He called for sustained collaboration among the Police, school authorities, parents, guardians and community leaders to safeguard children against abuse and exploitation and promote safe learning environments.

The Commissioner urged parents, educators and other stakeholders to remain vigilant, report suspected cases of child abuse and exploitation through appropriate channels, and support initiatives that advance the safety, education and well-being of the girl child.

The Ogun State Police Command assures residents that it will sustain proactive policing, public sensitisation and strategic partnerships to protect vulnerable persons, prevent crime and promote public safety across the state.

DSP OLUSEYI B. BABASEYI, anipr
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
OGUN STATE COMMAND
ELEWERAN, ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE

16TH OCTOBER, 2026