The lawmaker representing Ojo Federal Constituency, Seyi Sowunmi, has inaugurated a six-classroom block at St. Mary Primary School in Igbede, Lagos State, as part of efforts to promote quality education and gender equality.

The event, which also included a competition for all senior secondary schools in Ojo, was attended by girls from various local government schools, alongside stakeholders on Saturday.

According to Sowunmi, the competition, focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, was held in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child.

He stated, “The International Day of the Girl Child is a day set aside to recognise the power and potential of girls worldwide. But beyond celebration, this event reminds us of our responsibility to champion the rights and opportunities of girls and to work tirelessly to break down the barriers that stand in their way.

“This year’s event, which combines a career talk with a STEM quiz competition, is particularly inspiring. Why? Because it recognises that the future belongs to those equipped with the right skills and knowledge to flourish in a rapidly changing world. In this evolving landscape, STEM fields are the cornerstones of progress.

“While we acknowledge the progress made in ensuring that girls receive quality education, we also recognise that much more needs to be done, especially in areas like STEM, where girls are often underrepresented. Today’s event is more than just a competition; it is a bold statement—a declaration that you belong in every space where knowledge, innovation, and leadership are required.”

Expanding on the purpose of the STEM quiz, he added, “We are trying to encourage them to seek employment as early as possible. In many countries, vulnerable groups, including girls and women, often face unequal opportunities in various sectors.

“There are organisations that do not provide equal opportunities, often favouring men. Our focus is on encouraging girls to understand that the workforce is for everyone, regardless of gender.

“Globally, we are now focusing on girls to inspire them and show that what a man can do, a woman can do as well. Vulnerable individuals are those who face discrimination based on their gender or physical challenges.

“It is crucial to engage girls at a young age—around 13 or 14—to prepare them for future challenges. We invite women, mentors, and teachers to support these young girls.”

Also speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Black Girls in Tech Nigeria, Naomi Williams, emphasised that any girl can achieve her goals if she sets her mind to it. She stated, “We are an NGO focused on improving tech literacy across Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

“I am here as part of the programme for the International Day of the Girl Child to impact lives and inform young girls about the tech careers available to them in the future. The digital world is growing rapidly, and Nigeria’s digital evolution is still in its infancy. We need these young girls to know they can play a role in shaping that world.”

On the topic of early marriage, Naomi added, “Nigeria is still a patriarchal society, but curiosity about education cannot be extinguished. Our goal is to plant seeds of knowledge so that they seek out more information and education. Change cannot occur overnight; it takes time for ideas to germinate. By providing them with tools and information about their potential futures, we can begin to shift mindsets.”