In commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Kogi State Branch, embarked on a two-pronged sensitization campaign aimed at empowering girls and educating students on their rights, safety, and leadership potential.
The activities, held in Lokoja, targeted both tertiary and secondary school students, focusing on raising awareness about gender equality, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and the importance of self-worth and confidence among young women.
The first phase of the event took place at Kogi State Polytechnic, where FIDA held an extensive sensitization session for a mixed audience of male and female students. Discussions centered on the dangers and consequences of SGBV, students’ rights under Nigerian law, and the responsibilities of educational institutions to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment. The session also highlighted the importance of maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships among students.
FIDA commended the Rector of the Polytechnic, Professor Salisu Usman Ogbo, for his continuous support and cooperation in promoting students’ welfare.
“The Rector’s commitment to the safety and well-being of students was evident throughout the program. The feedback we received from participants was overwhelmingly positive, which shows the urgent need for continued sensitization of this nature,” a FIDA representative noted.
In a separate event tailored to younger students, FIDA took its campaign to Julitola International School, Lokoja, where the Chairperson of FIDA Kogi, Mrs. Oluwakemi Omeiza-Usman, Esq., delivered an inspiring address. She encouraged the girls to aspire for leadership roles and reject the societal stereotype of being the “weaker sex.”
“You are strong, capable, and enough to achieve your dreams,” she told the students, urging them to support one another and build confidence rather than engage in unhealthy rivalry.
The sensitization drive, according to FIDA, forms part of its ongoing commitment to empowering the girl child, safeguarding their rights, and nurturing a generation of informed and self-assured young women ready to make meaningful contributions to society.
About FIDA Nigeria:
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is a non-profit, non-political organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving the rights of women and children across Nigeria through legal aid, advocacy, and policy reform.
