The Secretary to the Local Government, Ikorodu West LCDA, Hon. Salau Rukayat Ajibike, has celebrated the 5th edition of the International Day of the Girl Child.

The programme, held on Monday, October 12, 2026, at Government Senior Model College, Owutu, Ikorodu, was themed “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights” and brought together students, teachers and stakeholders to promote the education, welfare and development of the girl child.

In her address, Hon. Salau Rukayat Ibukun, popularly known as Ajibike, Secretary to the Local Government, explained that this year marks the 5th edition of the programme, which she has been putting together since her days as Supervisor for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. She emphasized that it is pertinent to celebrate girls in order to educate and enlighten them on their rights and their future.

Speaking on the theme, she lectured the students on the dangers of child marriage, describing it as a practice that cuts short the dreams of girls, denies them education and exposes them to health and socio-economic challenges.

She urged parents, guardians, community leaders and government at all levels to take a firm stand against child marriage and to protect the rights of every girl child.

She further explained that investing in girls’ rights goes beyond rhetoric, noting that it requires deliberate investment in education, healthcare, mentorship and creation of safe spaces for girls to thrive and reach their full potential.

She emphasized that when a girl is educated and empowered, the entire community benefits, adding that an empowered girl today becomes a nation-building woman tomorrow.

She also appreciated the Executive Chairman, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju (FCA, FCTI), for his consistent support for women and youth-focused programmes in the council and thanked the school management for hosting the event.