POCACOV, LAGOS POLICE COMMAND COMMEMORATES INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD

By Olayiwola Ibrahim // The Lagos State Police Command, through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, POCACOV, in partnership with Molped Sanitary Pad, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, commemorated the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child at the POWA Secretariat, Oduduwa Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

The event was held with the theme: End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights, and sub-theme: Empowered Girls, Brighter Future.

The programme brought together students from over 60 public and private schools across Lagos State, alongside representatives of government institutions, education and health professionals, security personnel, corporate organisations, development partners and other stakeholders.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, in his address delivered by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, DCP Adesina Lawal, psc, emphasised the need to protect girls from harmful practices and ensure access to education, healthcare, safety, leadership opportunities and the support required to achieve their full potential.

Also in attendance were Mrs. Adekemi Tijani, Chairperson, POWA, Lagos State Chapter, represented by Mrs. Fakeye Olaide, the Command’s DC Administration, DCP Anthony Placid, mni, and ACP Oluwatoyin Kazeem, Officer-in-Charge, Gender Unit.

Other stakeholders present include Hon. Saliu Olawale Jimoh, Chairman, Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, Ambassador Dr. Mrs. Lauren Daji, Founder, Empowering Sisters Welfare Foundation, Dr. Akinlade Olatubosun of the Department of Psychiatry, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Apostle Kehinde Sowemimo, Chairman, Lagos PCRC, Nurse David Ronke; and Chaplain Mercy James Obatumibi, President, World Humanitarian Organisations for Peace and Equity.

A major highlight of the commemoration was the declaration by the participating girls, affirming their commitment to the advancement of girls’ rights and empowerment.

The event reaffirmed the importance of investing in girls’ rights, education, health, safety and wellbeing, while encouraging families, institutions and communities to work collectively towards a future where every girl child is protected, empowered and given the opportunity to fulfil her potential.

The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to strengthening partnerships with relevant stakeholders and promoting preventive advocacy and community engagement initiatives that protect children from abuse, exploitation, child marriage and other harmful practices.