Member representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji-River Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu, FNSE, has called for greater commitment to protecting the rights of the girl child, expanding access to quality education and creating opportunities for girls to realise their full potential.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Onwuegbu made the call in a message commemorating the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, stressing that the future of every society depends largely on how well it protects, educates and empowers its younger generation.
The lawmaker said girls should be allowed to grow in safe and supportive environments, free from child marriage, abuse, discrimination and other practices that could undermine their education, dignity and future prospects.
He noted that while progress had been made in advancing the rights of girls, more concerted efforts were still required from government, families, communities and other stakeholders to address the challenges confronting the girl child.
“Every girl deserves a childhood free from child marriage, access to quality education, protection of her rights, and the freedom to grow, dream and fulfil her full potential,” Onwuegbu said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting policies, legislation and initiatives that promote girls’ education, safeguard their rights and provide them with the skills and opportunities required to become productive members of society.
According to him, keeping girls in school and protecting them from harmful practices are among the most effective ways of improving their prospects and strengthening the social and economic wellbeing of communities.
Onwuegbu also urged parents and guardians to give greater attention to the education and welfare of their daughters, while calling on traditional and religious leaders to use their influence to discourage child marriage and other practices that limit girls’ opportunities.
He further encouraged relevant government agencies, civil society organisations and community groups to intensify advocacy and interventions aimed at protecting vulnerable girls and ensuring that their rights are respected.
The federal lawmaker stressed that investment in girls should be regarded as an investment in the future, noting that educated and empowered girls are better positioned to contribute to their families, communities and the wider economy.
He said girls must be given equal opportunities to develop their talents, acquire relevant skills and participate meaningfully in leadership and community development.
The 2026 International Day of the Girl Child is being commemorated under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.”
Onwuegbu urged stakeholders to translate the theme into concrete action by strengthening the protection of girls, improving access to education and creating opportunities that will enable them to thrive.
He said a society that protects the dignity, rights and aspirations of its girls is better equipped to build a more equitable, prosperous and sustainable future.
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