The Wife of the Executive Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Mrs Emem Anthony Nyong, has called for greater investment in girls’ education and the protection of their rights.
She equally urged parents and caregivers to discourage early marriage and support their daughters in developing their God-given talents.
Mrs Nyong made the call during the celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child at the Council Secretariat, Odot, Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, recently. The event was held under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.”
Addressing students from seven public secondary schools across the local government area, the Nsit Atai First Lady urged the girls to remain focused on their education, resist negative influences and avoid behaviours that could jeopardise their ambitions and future opportunities.
She also called on parents, caregivers, community leaders, religious institutions, government and other stakeholders to work collectively to protect the girl child from harmful practices, particularly child marriage, which can disrupt education and limit opportunities for personal growth and development.
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Speaking as the resource person, Dr Edidiong Prince Ekot educated the students on identifying and protecting themselves from individuals who seek to exploit them. She encouraged the girls to be assertive, establish personal boundaries and confidently reject inappropriate advances without feeling pressured to justify their decisions.
In their goodwill messages, the Vice Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs Affiong Amanam; the Wife of the Paramount Ruler, Obongawan Esther Peter Okon; a representative of the teachers; and the Wife of the Secretary of Council, Mrs Iniabasi Sunday Udia, stressed the importance of educating, protecting and empowering girls to enable them to realise their full potential.
The celebration featured an interactive question-and-answer session, a dance competition and the presentation of gift packs to all participants by Mrs Nyong.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Supervisor for Education, Hon Imoh Ibanga; Supervisor for Health, Hon Mandu Edemiko; Supervisor for Women Affairs and female Youths, Hon Noble Paul; Supervisor for Religious Affairs, Hon Mercy Umoh; Councillors, Queen Blessing Ekpe, Akwa Ibom Heritage Pageant, teachers and other stakeholders.
