NPF lauds International Day of Girl Child, promises adequate security

The Nigeria Police Force has commemorated the International Day of the Girl Child, emphasizing the importance of the celebration and the necessity of raising its awareness.

They stated that the celebration aligns with the goals of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and the Force in developing several initiatives aimed at safeguarding the girl child and addressing gender-based violence.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Friday, 11th of October, 2024.

The statement reads in part:

“The International Day of the Girl Child is observed each year on October 11, as a global event initiated by the United Nations in 2012. This day serves to draw attention to the distinct challenges and injustices that girls encounter worldwide while emphasizing the necessity of empowering girls and advocating for their rights across all areas of society.

“The observance seeks to mobilize worldwide awareness regarding issues related to gender inequality, educational access, and the significance of enabling every girl to achieve her full potential. The overarching objective being to create safe spaces for girls to express themselves and to highlight their vital role in shaping the future.

“The Nigeria Police Force recognizes the importance of this celebration and the necessity of raising this awareness, as this aligns with the goals of the Inspector-General of Police and the Force in developing several initiatives aimed at safeguarding the girl child and addressing gender-based violence. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD., NPM., has made public commitments to enforcing innovative gender policies and ensuring that female rights are prioritized within the Nigeria Police Force.

“As part of the sterling initiatives of his administration, the IGP has emphasized the need for a robust legal framework and the enforcement of laws protecting the girl child. This includes the unveiling of a new Force Gender Policy at the opening ceremony of the 2024 International Association of Women Police (IAWP) African Regional Training Conference, on the 2nd of July 2024.

“Under the leadership of IGP Egebtokun, the Nigeria Police Force has also collaborated with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), “the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), several local NGOs, women’s rights groups, and community leaders to address the unique needs of the girl child effectively. These initiatives are aimed at emplacing a modern police force that is gender-sensitive, gender-inclusive and consequently progressive.” [CONTINUE READING HERE]>>>>