Wife of the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division of the Nigerian Army Sokoto, Magdalene Ajose, has urged parents to support girl-child education and skills empowerment.

Mrs Ajose, who is the Chairperson of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, gave the charge during a symposium in commemoration of the 2024 International Day of Girl-Child organised by NAOWA on Friday in Sokoto.

She reiterated her commitment to promote academic excellence in NAOWA schools in support of the Nigerian Army’s education drive and advised guardians to support their daughters to pursue their dreams.

She added, “The initiative highlights my commitment to develop the potential of our future leaders and provide steadfast support to our dedicated educators who guide them. By recognising excellence, my aim is to motivate everyone in our community to reach new heights and contribute to a brighter, more promising future and society.”

She stressed the need for child mentorship from experienced and trusted role models to make the right choices.

Ms Ajose also advocated inculcating values that would help guide the girl child through challenges and opportunities.

She advised parents to always guide their children in choosing the right career path without imposing their will on them.

She urged them to identify the ability and potential in their children to be able to guide and support them in their chosen career path.

The guest lecturer, Ai’shatu Alhassan, urged parents to be responsible in catering for the needs of the girl child from childhood to adulthood, which are challenging due to body changes and experiences.

Ms Alhassan spoke about reproductive health issues, demonstrated practical ways to handle situations and cautioned people against early pregnancy, gender-based violence and other forms of sexual exploitation.

She suggested more education and skills empowerment for girls by the government and other stakeholders, stressing that ignorance and poverty were viable drivers of girls’ exploitation.

Ms Ajose on Saturday led an early morning rally across streets in Giginya barracks to sensitise residents to the importance of girl-child development.

The rally was attended by NAOWA members and students from four schools and featured the display of posters and different songs to raise public awareness about celebrating the day of the girl child.

The annual global observance is celebrated on October 11 to raise awareness about issues affecting the girl-child and the 2024 edition has the theme “Girls’ Vision for the Future.”

 (NAN)