Kwara SA Education, Dr. Adetola Ariyike Salau Hosts Public Schools in Omupo to Mark World Girl Child Day

…..NAKSS, PTA/SBMC Applaud

In celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, Dr. Adetola Ariyike Salau, Special Adviser on Education, Policy Formulation, and Human Capital Development to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, organized a special event on Thursday for four public schools in her hometown of Omupo, Ifelodun LG of the state.

The event, hosted at St. Michael Primary School, Omupo, was held in collaboration with the AOK Children Initiative, Jadebyte Academy, and the Women’s Technology Empowerment Center (W.TEC).

Female students from St. Michael Primary School, Muslim Community Primary School, Omupo Anglican Grammar School (JSS Section), and Omupo Muslim College attended the celebration, which featured motivational speeches, the distribution of notebooks, cake-cutting, and refreshments.

In her remarks, Dr. Salau expressed the significance of the International Day of the Girl Child, stating that the occasion holds special meaning to her, especially as it marks her first year commemorating the event in Kwara State after previously organizing similar celebrations in Lagos, where she served as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Education.

She emphasized the importance of empowering young girls and urged them to draw inspiration from trailblazing women such as Dr. Mae Jemison, Dr. Funke Opeke, and Dr. Dorothy Lavinia Brown, among others.

“There is no age too young to begin dreaming. I encourage you to envision a bright future and work toward it, just like my mother, Dr. (Mrs.) Oreoluwa Salau, Nigeria’s first female meteorologist.”

The female students were led to the event by their school heads, including Elder Ajibola James Rotimi, Principal of Omupo Anglican Grammar School; Alhaja Ojulari Salimat Omowumi, Head Teacher of Muslim Community Primary School; Mr. Gbadamosi Olalekan Suleiman, Principal of Omupo Muslim College; and Mrs. Olabisi Roseline M., Head Teacher of St. Michael Primary School.

Ms. Gladys Epi-Jombo, Programme Assistant from W.TEC, also addressed the students, praising the collaboration of all involved.

She highlighted the importance of empowering young girls with skills and confidence, stating, “Today, we are here to celebrate your power and potential. You are the key to the future, and at W.TEC, we are dedicated to helping you discover your strength.”

Representing the National President of the National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS), Comrade Nimat Okikiola Olaleye echoed Dr. Salau’s sentiments, encouraging the girls to embrace the “5 G’s” mantra: “I’m a girl, I’m a genius,” “I’m a girl, I’m gifted,” “I’m a girl, I’m growth-loving,” “I’m a girl, I’m gorgeous,” and “I’m a girl, I’m God-fearing.”

She further advised them to “Get Involved, Give Their Best, and Trust that God Crowns All Efforts.”

Other NAKSS representatives in attendance included the Vice President, represented by Aliyu Nimah Oyindamola, and Lawal Fathiat, Director of Gender, along with fellow comrades.

In closing, Imam Abdulwahab Adesina, Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association and School-Based Management Committee (PTA/SBMC), praised the initiative as a meaningful contribution to education in the community, thanking Dr. Salau and the organizing partners for their continued efforts in empowering the next generation of female leaders.

The event left an indelible mark on the students, teachers, and community members alike, reinforcing the message of hope, empowerment, and the limitless potential of young girls in Kwara State.