The Lagos State Police Command has joined partners 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 and education.
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 representatives of government institutions, education and health professionals, security personnel, corporate organisations, development partners and other stakeholders.
In an address delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Adesina Lawal, the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, stressed the need to shield girls from harmful practices. He said girls must have access to education, healthcare, safety, leadership opportunities and the support required to reach their full potential.
Among those present were the Command’s DC Administration, DCP Anthony Placid, and the Officer-in-Charge of the Gender Unit, ACP Oluwatoyin Kazeem. Mrs Fakeye Olaide represented Mrs Adekemi Tijani, Chairperson of the POWA Lagos State Chapter.
Other stakeholders included the Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, Hon. Saliu Olawale Jimoh; the Founder of the Empowering Sisters Welfare Foundation, Ambassador Dr Lauren Daji; Dr Akinlade Olatubosun of the Department of Psychiatry, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH); the Chairman of Lagos PCRC, Apostle Kehinde Sowemimo; Nurse David Ronke; and Chaplain Mercy James Obatumibi, President of the World Humanitarian Organisations for Peace and Equity.
A major highlight of the programme was a declaration by the participating girls, who affirmed 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 urged families, institutions and communities to work together towards a future in which every girl is protected, empowered and given the chance 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.
