Former Delta State Governor and 2027 Delta North senatorial aspirant, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has reaffirmed his commitment to girl-child education and empowerment, insisting that every girl deserves equal opportunities to develop her potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
Okowa, who is seeking election to the Senate on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the commitment in a statement on Sunday to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
The former governor stressed that his support for the girl child goes beyond his experience as a father of three daughters, explaining that he recognises the enormous potential girls possess when given the right opportunities and support.
“I have always believed in the girl child, and I am unapologetically biased in her favour,” he declared.
The 2026 International Day of the Girl Child is being observed in Nigeria under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.”
Okowa called for greater investment in girls through access to quality education, adequate protection, skills development and other opportunities that would enable them to become self-reliant and achieve their aspirations.
He maintained that no girl should be denied the opportunity to succeed because of discrimination, unfavourable circumstances or societal restrictions.
According to him, investing in girls is essential to building stronger families, communities and future generations.
Okowa Recalls GEST Initiative
Highlighting his administration’s efforts to promote girl-child empowerment, Okowa recalled the establishment of the Girls Entrepreneurship and Skills Training Programme (GEST) during his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023.
The programme, implemented through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Girl Child Empowerment, was designed to equip young women aged 18 to 30 with entrepreneurial and vocational skills across Delta State’s 25 local government areas.
According to the information provided on the initiative, the programme recorded a success rate of more than 95 per cent among its pioneer beneficiaries, with 437 of the 450 trainees receiving starter packs to establish businesses and pursue economic independence.
GEST formed part of the administration’s Stronger Delta Agenda, which sought to promote youth entrepreneurship and expand the state’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector.
Calls for Action Beyond Celebration
As political activities gradually build towards the 2027 Delta North senatorial contest, Okowa urged stakeholders to translate the annual celebration of the girl child into practical measures that protect girls’ rights and expand their opportunities.
“On this International Day of the Girl Child, let us move beyond celebrating girls to creating the conditions that enable them to thrive. Every girl deserves the opportunity to become all she is capable of being,” he said.
