The Lagos State Police Command has joined the global community to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, calling for stronger protection of girls from harmful practices and greater investment in their rights.
The event, organised by the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) in partnership with Molped Sanitary Pad, took place on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the POWA Secretariat on Oduduwa Street, Ikeja GRA. It was held under the theme “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” with the sub-theme “Empowered Girls, Brighter Future.”
Students from more than 60 public and private schools across Lagos State attended, alongside government officials, education and health professionals, security personnel, corporate organisations, development partners and other stakeholders.
In an address delivered on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Adesina Lawal, the Command stressed the need to shield girls from harmful practices. He said girls must also have access to education, healthcare, safety, leadership opportunities and the support needed to reach their full potential.
Among those present were Mrs Fakeye Olaide, who represented the Chairperson of the POWA Lagos State Chapter, Mrs Adekemi Tijani; the Command’s DC Administration, DCP Anthony Placid; and ACP Oluwatoyin Kazeem, Officer-in-Charge of the Gender Unit.
Other dignitaries included the Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, Hon. Saliu Olawale Jimoh; Ambassador Dr Mrs Lauren Daji, Founder of the Empowering Sisters Welfare Foundation; Dr Akinlade Olatubosun of the Department of Psychiatry, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH); Apostle Kehinde Sowemimo, Chairman of the Lagos PCRC; Nurse David Ronke; and Chaplain Mercy James Obatumibi, President of the World Humanitarian Organisations for Peace and Equity.
A highlight of the programme was a declaration by the participating girls, who pledged their commitment to advancing girls’ rights and empowerment.
The commemoration reaffirmed the importance of investing in girls’ rights, education, health, safety and wellbeing. It also encouraged families, institutions and communities to work together towards a future in which every girl is protected, empowered and able to fulfil her potential.
The Command said it remains committed to strengthening partnerships with relevant stakeholders and to promoting preventive advocacy and community engagement initiatives that protect children from abuse, exploitation, child marriage and other harmful practices.
