Police celebrate International Girl Child’s Day, pledges protection

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Nigeria Police Force has commemorated the International Girl Child’s Day, emphasising the importance of the celebration and the necessity of raising its awareness.

The NPF in a statement on Friday by the Force Public Relations Offices, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that the celebration aligns with the goals of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun noting that the Force in developing several initiatives aimed at safeguarding the girl child and addressing gender-based violence.

The statement reads, “The International Day of the Girl Child is observed each year on October 11, as a global event initiated by the United Nations in 2012. This day serves to draw attention to the distinct challenges and injustices that girls encounter worldwide while emphasising the necessity of empowering girls and advocating for their rights across all areas of society.

“The observance seeks to mobilise worldwide awareness regarding issues related to gender inequality, educational access, and the significance of enabling every girl to achieve her full potential. The overarching objective being to create safe spaces for girls to express themselves and to highlight their vital role in shaping the future.

“The Nigeria Police Force recognises the importance of this celebration and the necessity of raising this awareness, as this aligns with the goals of the Inspector-General of Police and the Force in developing several initiatives aimed at safeguarding the girl child and addressing gender-based violence. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD., NPM., has made public commitments to enforcing innovative gender policies and ensuring that female rights are prioritized within the Nigeria Police Force.”

The statements confirmed that Egbetokun has brought out the need for a robust legal framework and the enforcement of laws protecting the girl child which includes the unveiling of a new Force Gender Policy at the opening ceremony of the 2024 International Association of Women Police African Regional Training Conference, on July 2, 2024.

Under the leadership of Egebtokun, the NPF has according to Adejobi collaborated with the Office of the National Security Adviser.