Society has been called upon to be committed to championing the girl child with action, intention and unity by drawing attention to her peculiar needs, to give her a voice in a men-dominated society, to see her potentials and prospects, and to enable her to be what she can be to contribute equally to society alongside her male counterparts.

The call was made by the President of the Association of Gbaramatu Female Graduates (AGFG), Comrade Glory Otutufegha, during the occasion of the celebration of the 2025 International Girl Child Day at Oporoza in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West council area of Delta State, on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

Comrade Otutufegha also thanked personalities in the kingdom such as High Chief Government Ekpemupolo PhD alias Tompolo, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor (Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly), Chief Dennis Otuaro PhD (Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme), Mr. Matthew Tonlagha, Chief Kestin Pondi, Chief Godfrey Pondi, among several others including the Governing Council of the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, for appointing one of Gbaramatu finest breeds, Prof. (Mrs.) Flora Tobolayefa Oluwafemi, as the Vice Chancellor of the prestigious NMU and for elevating Gbaramatu females. 

Delivering her message in the Association's welcome address, Comrade Otutufegha, said: "It has long been established biological, scientifically and psychologically that a girl child has no inherent limitations or deprivation from attaining any height in society by just being a girl child. Same is the case of the creek girl child challenged only by the environment. But that challenge is not peculiar to the girl child.

"This year’s global theme, 'The Girl I Am, the Change I Lead, Girls in the Frontline of Crisis', isn’t just a slogan. It is a mandate — calling every one of us, especially as women and advocates, to uplift the next generation of girls with the urgency they deserve.

"In every community, in every home, in every school, there is a girl whose voice holds power — yet too often, that voice is interrupted, dismissed, or unheard. Today, as women, who once walked that same road, who once lived in this mangrove forest, but inspired by passing boats and a hope so strong it was not dampened by the man-made discriminatory inhibitions, we must ask: 'Are we listening to the dreams of the girl child or silencing them with fear? Are we equipping her with confidence, or restraining her with culture and control? Are we, as mothers, wives, sisters, even fathers and brothers, creating safe spaces for her to rise and speak?'

Speaking further, she said, "Let us never forget: a girl who speaks can shake a nation. The girl child is not helpless — she is potent with ideas, resilience, and vision. But her power is often undermined by harmful traditions, digital exclusion, abuse, and poverty.

"As women, mothers, leaders, and mentors, we must ask ourselves: What systems are we dismantling so that the path of our successors is smoother than ours ever was? Let’s build schools, not walls. Let’s shape policies, not just panels. Let’s show the girl child that being female is not a limitation, but a launching pad.

"To our fathers, husbands, brothers, chiefs, kings and traditional institutions, note that the future belongs to the girl who is empowered today. But that future demands investment — not just financially, but emotionally, socially, politically, and spiritually.

"As an association that advocates for female advancement, we will continue to be intentional to advocate for girls in boardrooms and classrooms; for her education, her leadership, her skills; be her voice and shield when the world throws doubt, danger, or discrimination at her. Her future is not her's alone; it’s ours to nurture and defend.

“To our beautiful and promising young girls today, we see you, we believe in you and we will not rest until you stand tall in your truth. You don’t have to wait to be a woman to be powerful, you are already a force — now and always.”

Wrapping up her speech with an appeal, she stated; "Distinguished invited guests, ladies and gentlemen, we are here to drive home a point and inspire our upcoming generation of girls. Let us today, by the testimonies of excellence in academics, politics, administration, entrepreneurship, advocacy and others inspire these girls to yearn for distinction looking beyond the distractions.

"Let us rise — not just to speak for girls, but to stand with them. Let this day not end with speeches, but begin with strategies. Let’s move from awareness to action — and from inspiration to impact. Together, we are not just building girls, we are building generations. Let’s lead with purpose, protect with love, and empower without apology," Comrade Otutufegha charged.

The ceremony which was attended by female students, teachers, community leaders, and various advocate groups for the girl-child education from across the kingdom featured speech presentation, cultural dance, competition the three schools, among other activities.

View photos here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BTQkBWh2c/

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