The Executive Chairman of Epe Local Government, Olayemi Animashaun, has reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the rights of the girl child, ending child marriage and expanding opportunities for girls to achieve their full potential.
Epe Insights reports that Animashaun made the commitment in a message marking the global celebration of the girl child, calling on individuals, families, community leaders and relevant stakeholders to work together to protect girls and create an environment where they can thrive.
He stressed that every girl deserves a childhood free from harmful practices, access to quality education and the freedom to pursue her dreams without unnecessary limitations.
The chairman noted that this year’s theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” highlights the need for sustained action to protect girls from early marriage and other practices that can undermine their education, health, dignity and future prospects.
According to him, investing in girls’ rights is essential to building a society where young females can develop their abilities, make informed choices and contribute meaningfully to community development.
Animashaun described every girl as a valuable member of society whose potential must be recognised, supported and nurtured. He maintained that protecting girls’ rights should remain a shared responsibility involving government, parents, schools, traditional institutions and the wider community.
He emphasised that girls should be given the opportunity to acquire knowledge, develop practical skills and participate in activities that prepare them for responsible leadership and productive lives.
The Epe council chairman also highlighted his administration’s annual financial support programme for the girl child in the local government area. He said the initiative reflects his commitment to improving the welfare, dignity and future prospects of girls in Epe.
The programme forms part of his broader vision of creating an environment where girls receive the support they need to grow, learn and achieve their aspirations.
Animashaun explained that providing financial assistance for the girl child represents an investment in the future of the community. Such support, he noted, can help reinforce the importance of girls’ welfare and encourage greater attention to their needs and ambitions.
He expressed the vision of an Epe where every girl is valued, her voice is respected, her rights are protected and her aspirations are given room to flourish.
The chairman’s message also underscored the importance of ensuring that girls are not denied opportunities because of their gender. He called for a society that recognises their abilities and provides the necessary support for them to participate fully in education, public life and economic development.
Child marriage remains a major concern in efforts to protect the rights of girls, as early marriage can interrupt schooling, restrict personal development and limit future opportunities. Addressing the practice requires continued awareness, community engagement and the enforcement of measures designed to safeguard children.
Animashaun urged stakeholders to work collectively towards ending harmful practices and strengthening the protection available to girls. He noted that creating meaningful opportunities for them requires more than public declarations; it also demands sustained commitment to their education, safety and general well-being.
He further encouraged families and communities to nurture the ambitions of girls and ensure that they are supported to make positive contributions to society.
The chairman maintained that a girl whose future is protected today can become a woman capable of driving positive change tomorrow. He called on residents to support initiatives that promote girls’ rights and help them develop the confidence and skills needed to succeed.
His message reinforces the importance of placing the girl child at the centre of community development efforts. By protecting her rights, supporting her education and investing in her welfare, stakeholders can help create better opportunities for future generations.
For Epe Local Government, the commitment to the girl child reflects a broader aspiration to build an inclusive community where every young person has the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to society.
Animashaun concluded by urging residents to join hands in ending child marriage, defending girls’ rights and building a future where every girl can learn, lead and succeed.
