The Lagos State Police Command, through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), Lagos State, in partnership with Molped Sanitary Pad, on Wednesday, 21st October, 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,” sub-theme, “Empowered Girls, Brighter Future.”The programme brought together students from over sixty (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, Department of Operations, DCP Adesina Lawal, psc, emphasised the need to protect girls from harmful practices and ensure that they have access to education, healthcare, safety, leadership opportunities and the support required to achieve their full potential.Also in attendance are: 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 of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA; Ambassador Dr Mrs Lauren Daji, Founder of the 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; Chaplain Mercy James Obatumibi, President World Humanitarian Organisations for Peace and Equity.A significant highlight of the commemoration was the declaration made by the participating girls, affirming their commitment to the advancement of girls’ rights and empowerment. The commemoration 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 in which 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.
