The First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, has renewed her advocacy for sustained investment in the girl-child, describing it as the highest-yielding investment any nation can make towards long-term prosperity.
Mrs. Abiodun made the declaration at an Adolescent Health and Mentorship Programme organised by the Chosen Vessels Empowerment Foundation at the Abeokuta Club, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta. The event drew over 500 secondary school students, public school educators and other key stakeholders.
In her address, the First Lady emphasised that the transition from girlhood to womanhood requires deliberate guidance and a strong support system.
“In an increasingly complex and highly exposed world, our girls need more than academic instruction; they need a compass of self-worth, inner strength and purpose,” she said.
She described the programme as a reflection of the Ogun State Government’s broader vision of nurturing emotionally and physically resilient citizens by complementing formal education with essential life skills. She also aligned the initiative with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 on Good Health and Wellbeing and SDG 5 on Gender Equality.
Mrs. Abiodun further highlighted the Renewed Hope Initiative led by Oluremi Tinubu, noting that the programme recently distributed sanitary pads across the 20 Local Government Areas of Ogun State. According to her, the gesture underscored the principle that biological realities should never hinder a girl’s dignity or access to education.
“When we equip girls with the tools for a better quality of life, we are investing in the future of our nation,” she said. “Empowered girls grow into women who lead businesses, transform healthcare systems and build stable families.”
The First Lady also commended the foundation’s convener, Mrs. Debola Atoyebi, for choosing to mark her 60th birthday through philanthropy rather than personal celebration. She urged other well-meaning Nigerians to adopt a similar culture of giving back to the next generation.
Mrs. Atoyebi, alongside a team of medical and education professionals, provided practical guidance to the students on navigating the pressures of modern life. The sessions covered physical health, with advice to avoid drug abuse and harmful substances, maintain personal hygiene and adopt balanced nutrition.
The speakers also addressed mental health concerns, particularly the growing influence of social media, cautioning the girls against dangerous online trends and encouraging them to remain grounded in positive values.
Speaking with journalists after the event, Afusat Sumonu, a student of St. John Anglican High School, Kuto, expressed appreciation to the First Lady and Mrs. Atoyebi, stating that the mentorship lessons would help her establish healthy boundaries and make informed decisions.