The International Day of the Girl Child 2024 was commemorated at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta International School (FUNIS) with a strong emphasis on empowering young girls and raising awareness of the challenges they face globally.
Delivering her keynote address at the School Auditorium, Dr. Bola Akinyemi of the Department of Pasture and Range Management, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM), focused her speech on this year’s theme tagged, “Girls’ Vision for the Future.” Dr. Akinyemi inspired the students by discussing the power of ambition and dreams in shaping the future.
She encouraged the girls to develop a clear vision for their lives, urging them to set goals and strive for financial independence.
Dr. Akinyemi went on to outline practical steps for building self-reliance, reinforcing the message that girls should not shy away from excellence or hesitate to pursue opportunities.
Her words resonated deeply with the audience as she concluded by affirming that every girl has the potential to rise above societal barriers and become a leader in her own right.
Earlier, the School Counsellor, Mrs. Abigail Oroleye highlighted the significance of the day, stressing the importance of promoting gender equality and encouraging young girls to realise their potential.
Mrs. Oroleye emphasised the need to address ongoing issues like child marriage, limited access to education, and healthcare, which disproportionately affect girls worldwide.
The celebration at FUNIS served as a powerful reminder of the importance of fostering a generation of girls who are equipped to envision and work towards a future filled with possibilities.