The Lagos State Police Command through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), in partnership with Molped Sanitary Pad, commemorated the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child on Wednesday, 21st October 2026 at POWA Hall, Oduduwa Crescent, Ikeja GRA.
Held under the theme “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights” with sub-theme “Empowered Girls, Brighter Future”, the event drew students from over 60 public and private schools across Lagos, alongside government officials, health and education professionals, security personnel and development partners.
The programme opened with a welcome address by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Adeoye Olufemi, who called for collective action to promote the rights and safety of the girl child.
Delivering the keynote on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, DCP Operations Adeshina Bamidele Lawal stressed the need to end harmful practices against girls and guarantee access to education, healthcare, safety and leadership opportunities.
DCP Anthony Placid, in charge of Finance and Administration, was also in attendance.
Other key sessions included “My Body, My Boundaries: Personal Safety, Consent and Speaking Up Against Abuse” by ACP Oluwatoyin Kazeem, Officer-in-Charge of Gender Unit, who urged girls to know their boundaries and speak up against abuse.
Health-focused presentations featured drug education by Ambassador Dr Mrs Lauren Daji, Founder, Empowering Sisters Welfare Foundation; emotional wellbeing by Dr Akinlade Olatubosun of LASUTH; and menstrual hygiene by Nurse David Ronke.
Goodwill messages came from Hon. Saliu Olawale Jimoh, Chairman, Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, and Apostle Kehinde Sowemimo, PCRC Chairman, Lagos, both emphasizing partnership to protect and educate girls.
Representing POWA Chairperson Mrs Adekemi Fatai, Mrs Fakeye Olaide encouraged girls to show confidence beyond the classroom.
The highpoint was a debate by 10 schools on “Educating the Girl Child Benefits the Entire Community” and a declaration by participants committing to advancing girls’ rights.
The Command reiterated its commitment through POCACOV to advocacy and community engagement to protect the girl child from abuse, exploitation and child marriage, and to invest in her education, health and wellbeing.
