By People’s Post
Plateau State Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo, has joined well-wishers across the world to celebrate the girl child as the world marks the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child.
Emphasizing the 2025 theme “The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis”, she said the theme highlights girls’ resilience, leadership, and their role in driving change, especially in the face of global crises like conflict, climate change, and displacement.
In a statement signed by
her press secretary Martha Nyam, the Deputy Governor noted that girls are not just victims but also agents of change.
According to her “The theme specifically addresses the challenges girls face during crises and their active role in finding solutions. “It celebrates the strength, creativity, and leadership of girls and young women who are advocating for their rights and their communities,”
She called for continued support and investment in girls, including providing them with access to education, safety, health, and leadership opportunities.
Piyo also commended the remarkable potential and resilience of girls worldwide, acknowledging their power and determination.
She assured the state government’s unwavering commitment to championing the rights of girls, providing adequate protection from abuse, ending gender-based violence, and ensuring children’s participation in decision-making processes.
Similarly The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Plateau State Chapter, has joined the rest of the world to commemorate the International Day of the Girl-Child, celebrated annually on October 11, with a call for renewed efforts to empower girls and promote gender equality.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” the Chairperson and Secretary of NAWOJ Plateau, Grace Akwe Gotip and Mwuese Adem emphasized that girls are not just beneficiaries of development programs but vital contributors to societal change.
> “Girls are leaders, innovators, and change-makers. We must listen to their voices, support their aspirations, and provide opportunities for them to thrive,” Gotip said.
She noted that despite progress made, many Nigerian girls still face barriers such as limited access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, stressing the need for government and stakeholders to intensify efforts to close these gaps.
> “It is important for the government to prioritize girls’ education, health, and protection from violence and exploitation,” she added.
NAWOJ further called on the government to increase investment in girls’ education, strengthen laws and policies that protect them from violence and abuse, and promote economic empowerment and entrepreneurship opportunities for girls and women.
The association also urged media practitioners to play a key role in promoting positive narratives about girls.
> “The media must continue to amplify girls’ voices, highlight their achievements, and project them as capable leaders of change,” said Gotip.
As the world celebrates the International Day of the Girl-Child, NAWOJ Plateau reiterated its commitment to advancing the rights, dignity, and empowerment of girls, and to fostering a society where every girl can reach her full potential.
