Osun First Lady calls for recognition of strength and abilities of girls with disabilities

The Wife of Osun state governor, Erelu Ngozi Adeleke has called for recognition and applaud the strength and abilities of every girl-child in Osun state.

She made the call in an event organised by Women Inspiration Development Centre to commemorate the international day of girl child.

International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated annually every 11th of October in recognition of gender-based violence and barriers faced by girls around the world. This day of observance was declared by the United Nations to highlight the inequality faced by girl children with the aim of raising their voices. The theme for 2023 is “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being.

Speaking to the girls from two institutions, Osun State University and Obafemi Awolowo University, the wife of Osun state governor, Mrs Erelu Ngozi Adeleke said, “Osun state actively promotes and defends the fundamental rights and equal opportunities that girls deserve in all aspects of life, ensuring our girls are treated with fairness and respect.”

Speaking on the importance of education, the first lady urged the girls to always remember that besides a good education, everything else is a gamble to success.

“Education is the only assured way to success” she said.

Represented by Mrs Teniola Lanlehin, the Special Adviser to Governor on Education matters, the first lady urged girls and those with disabilities not to be deceived by the “flash and glams” of the internet.

According to her, “I am using myself as an example, my achievements are solely based on my academic credentials. I encouraged you not to be afraid of having big dreams”

INN reports that Girls with disabilities were part of the celebration, and through Sign Language, a girl shared her dream of becoming a fashion designer.

Speaking further, Mrs Adeleke added “We should never let any disabilities limit our visions, time is money, and it’s essential to make great use of one’s time by being productive.

“Stop wasting time on social media, and use your time on meaningful ventures. Also, self-love is very important because it builds self confidence whereby you are able to have the power for self advocacy. The more we read, the more we learn because “Readers Today Are Leaders Tomorrow.” She said.