The Peace Oladiran Foundation has called on the government, community leaders, parents, and other relevant stakeholders to unite in protecting the rights, dignity, and future of every girl child.
According to the foundation’s founder, Peace Oladiran, such collective efforts will help create a society where every girl is safe, educated, valued, and empowered to achieve her full potential.
The call followed the celebration of the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, themed “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.” According to Oladiran, the theme focuses on amplifying girls’ voices, ending child marriage, expanding access to education, and addressing gender-based violence and digital inequality.
Speaking at the commemorative programme held in the Aba-Oko community in the Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, Miss Oladiran stressed the importance of parents investing more in their daughters’ education. She added that parents who cannot afford formal education should encourage their daughters to acquire vocational skills that would enable them to earn a living.
“This year, for the International Day of the Girl Child, we decided to bring our programme to the Aba-Oko community in the rural area of Ido Local Government Area. Last year, we went to NUT Model College for a school-based programme, so this year, we decided to organise a community-based programme because the community brings together people from different schools and families.
The theme for this year is “End Early Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.” Early marriage is common in rural communities, which is why we decided to visit Aba-Oko, where we met girls from different homes and schools. We educated them on how to avoid early marriage and invest in their rights. We also encouraged them to speak up, speak out, and identify people they can confide in.”
She urged the government and community leaders to prioritise girls’ rights just as they do those of boys.
“The government and the community should not sideline girls. They must recognize that both males and females have equal rights and encourage every girl who aspires to go to school or learn a skill. The government should establish empowerment programmes for girls who cannot afford formal education and provide free education to enable them to attain higher educational qualifications.”
Miss Oladiran emphasized that the foundation’s objective for next year is to expand its reach to the state level by bringing together participants from different local government areas at a central location. She added that the foundation plans to organise more comprehensive programmes featuring guest speakers who would serve as mentors and role models.
The representative of the Aba-Oko community, Mr. Moruf Olanrewaju, commended the initiative, explaining that it would help redirect the children’s focus toward personal development and future opportunities.
“Ultimately, empowering young minds with practical skills lays a solid foundation for self-reliance and community progress. When parents and community members come together to support such educational events, they invest directly in a future where children are equipped to make informed choices about their lives. Encouraging continued participation in these programmes ensures that young people remain focused on academic and practical development, transforming potential vulnerabilities into lasting empowerment.
“Rather than being pushed into premature unions, young people are provided the opportunity to explore practical skills and discover their potential, providing families with positive alternatives and aspirations for their children’s futures.”
Dr. Olaide Oladiran, the mother of the foundation’s founder, appreciated the leadership and people of the Aba-Oko community for permitting the programme to take place and encouraging the girls to participate.
She said the second edition of the programme, organised by the Peace Oladiran Foundation, successfully brought empowerment training to the Aba-Oko community. With the guidance of community leaders, participating girls acquired valuable life skills, including soap-making and hairdressing, alongside lectures designed to help them recognise their potential and capabilities.
The event fostered an atmosphere of joy and practical learning, allowing participants to make products they could use at home or sell to earn an income.
“We deeply appreciate the community leadership, volunteers, and everyone whose contributions and support made this impactful programme a resounding success.
“Looking ahead, the foundation hopes to expand the initiative to other communities to reach even more young girls with life-changing lessons and practical skills for economic empowerment. With continued growth and support, next year’s International Day of the Girl Child celebration promises to be bigger and more impactful.”
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
