The Lagos State Government, through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, has marked the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child with an impactful mentorship event tagged “Innovate-Eko Mentorship Special Series”
Held at at Dolphin Senior High School, Lagos Island, the programme brought together top female public officials, educators, and administrators who have distinguished themselves in various sectors of Lagos State’s education and governance landscape.
Among the distinguished mentors were the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Cecilia Bolaji Dada; Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite.
Others are the Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University of Education, Prof. Bidemi Bilikis Lafiaji-Okuneye; and Executive Secretary, Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Mrs. Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade.
The mentors delivered motivational speeches drawn from their personal journeys of resilience, dedication, and service, inspiring the students to dream big and pursue their aspirations with courage and focus.
In her remarks, Hon. Cecilia Bolaji Dada encouraged girls to embrace leadership roles and reject intimidation.
“Never limit yourselves because you’re a girl,” she said. “Develop high self-esteem and a growth mindset. Learning a skill gives you relevance, confidence, and access to new opportunities in today’s fast-paced world.”
Also, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, charged the girls to recognize their potential to effect positive change through education.
“Every girl possesses the strength, intelligence, and courage to drive change, even in adversity,” she affirmed. “The International Day of the Girl Child celebrates your resilience, potential, and power to create lasting impact.”
She also underscored the importance of empowering girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), urging them to take up active roles in these critical disciplines.
Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University of Education, Prof. Bidemi Bilikis Lafiaji-Okuneye, dispelled gender stereotypes in science and technology. She maintained that competence, not gender determines success, encouraging girls to explore science-related careers confidently.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy,Mrs. Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, called on young girls to take responsibility for driving social change and community development.
“Leadership is not about position but about action,” she told the students. “Be proactive and lead by example wherever you find yourselves.”
Adding a health dimension to the discussion, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health, Dr. Oluwatoni Adeyemi, led a session on personal hygiene, menstrual care, and general well-being, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through balanced diets, regular exercise, and sufficient rest.
In his goodwill message, host and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Opeyemi Eniola, commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for promoting inclusive education and supporting initiatives that empower both boys and girls across the state.
The event concluded with a renewed call for sustained investment in girl-child education and empowerment, reaffirming that girls are not just beneficiaries of change, but active leaders and key drivers of a more equitable and progressive society.