Lagos Marks International Day of the Girl Child with Innovate-Eko Mentorship Special Series

The Lagos State Government, through the Innovate Eko Mentor- ship Series has marked the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child with an impactful mentorship held at the Dolphin Senior High School, Lagos Island. The programme brought together top female public officials, educators, and administrators who have distinguished themselves in various sectors of Lagos State’s education and governance landscape.

Among the distinguished mentors were the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Cecilia Bolaji Dada; Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite.

Others are the Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University of Education, Prof. Bidemi Bilikis Lafiaji-Okuneye; and Executive Secretary, Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Mrs. Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade.

The mentors delivered motivational speeches drawn from their personal journeys of resilience, dedication, and service, inspiring the students to dream big and pursue their aspirations with courage and focus.

In her remarks, Hon. Cecilia Bolaji Dada encouraged girls to embrace leader- ship roles and reject intimidation.

“Never limit yourselves because you’re a girl,” she said. “Develop high self-esteem and a growth mindset. Learning a skill gives you relevance, confidence, and access to new opportunities in today’s fast-paced world.”

Also, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abi- sola Dokunmu-Adegbite, charged the girls to recognize their potential to effect positive change through education.

“Every girl possesses the strength, intelligence, and courage to drive change, even in adversity,” she affirmed. “The International Day of the Girl Child celebrates your resilience, potential, and power to create lasting impact.”