The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) Women Commission (PWC) has raised concerns about the negative influence of the social media, especially on the girl child.
The PENGASSAN PWC brought this to the fore at the celebration of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, held last week at the GSS Junior Secondary School, Karomanjigi, in Abuja, FCT.
The event was organised by the National Deputy Chairperson, PENGASSAN PWC, who is also the Kaduna Zonal Chairperson Northern Region, Kaduna Zone, Comrade Yetunde Rufus-Adelakun (aka Mama Yetty).
Though the International Day of the Girl Child was celebrated on 11 October, 2024, the PENGASSAN PWC, Northern Region held the celebration on 30 October, with the aim to empower young girls and inspire them to pursue their dreams.
Various speakers at the event generally agreed that the education of the girl child as a collective responsibility and described the Day as a reminder of the potentials and promises deposited in the girl child.
In her opening remarks at the event, National Chairperson of the PENGASSAN PWC, Comrade Engineer Mary-Anne Ada Mbanaso, spoke on the PWC commitment to the event, which is marked annually across all four zones: Warri, Port Harcourt, Lagos and Kaduna.
Comrade Mbanaso, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, said: “Each zone celebrates this day to raise awareness and empower girls.”
She spoke further: “Today, we gather to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child, under the inspiring theme, “Vision For The Future Of The Girl Child.”
She said the education of the girl child is a collective responsibility, adding, “This day serves as a powerful reminder of the potential and promise each girl embodies.
She expressed the view that the girl child can be encouraged to believe in herself by knowing her rights as spelt out in the Child Rights Act, adding that she can be made to aspire to any career of her choice.
Comrade Mbanasso shared her own experience and recalled her determination to become an engineer, against the wish of her father to study Medicine.
She also spoke on the challenges young girls face, especially in the face of the pervading negative influence of the social media.
She encouraged girls to pursue their passions, view challenges as opportunities and communicate openly with their parents about their goals.
Mbanaso called on parents to monitor the activities of their children online by applying parental controls on their devices. She also stated that the importance of guidance and counseling in the technology-driven contemporary world cannot be downplayed.
She advised parents to pay close attention and instill strong values in their children to prepare them for the future.
“You are the future. Hard work pays off. Believe in your dreams, overcome obstacles, and stay focused,” she urged, emphasizing confidence and resilience.
“As we reflect on the challenges girls face around the world, we also acknowledge the resilience, strength, and creativity that empower them to overcome these obstacles.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every girl has access to education, health and opportunities that will enable her to thrive and contribute to society.
“Let us envision a future where every girl is valued, hears her voice and has the chance to shape her own destiny. Together, we can create a world where girls can pursue their dreams and achieve their fullest potential.
“Thank you for being here today to champion this vital cause and for your commitment to building a brighter future for our girls,” Comrade Mbanaso stated.
Also speaking, the Kaduna Zonal Chairperson, of PENGASSAN PWC, Comrade Rufus-Adelakun (aka Mama Yetty), stated that this year’s theme was a true reflection of the importance of empowering young girls through education, particularly in STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
“This day is significant because it is about investing in the future of young girls. We need to instill the value of education, making sure girls understand its importance.
“Through STEM, we are opening doors for them in fields that can shape their future and drive innovation,” Comrade Yetunde Rufus-Adelakun stated.
She also acknowledged the growing concerns around social media and societal pressures that can negatively influenced young girls.
She therefore emphasised the importance of community support, guidance and positive reinforcement by all stakeholders.
“The NDLEA and other stakeholders are here to ensure children have the right knowledge about society today. We want our girls and boys to become champions, to stand tall in their goals, and not let negative influences sway them.”
Comrade Rufus-Adelakun called on young girls to study hard, pursue their dreams, and become leaders who can spread the value of education to other girls, especially in the rural areas.
Chairperson, FCT TUCWC, Comrade Sandra Nnenna Ogbonna, highlighted the necessity of collective support in nurturing empowered young girls. She pointed out the unique vulnerabilities that girls face and stressed the importance of instilling positive habits and values in them, early in life.
Comrade Ogbonna echoes other speakers as she advocated parental vigilance in the digital age. She emphasised that young girls are increasingly susceptible to the inherent negativities in the social media.
She recommended practical limitations on device usage and encouraged parents to prioritise educational focus before granting access to technology.
“Parents should proactively educate their children about the good and the harmful, guiding them toward positive choices,” she stated.
Ogbonna stressed the need for community-driven approach to child-raising, encouraging parents to be open to input from educators and caregivers.
“No one person raises a child alone. Community feedback can significantly shape a child’s behavior and choices,” she said, calling for a revival of communal support in nurturing values.
Ogbonna urged parents to prioritise open communication within their households and communities to foster positive growth and development in young girls. “Listening to and valuing input from others is crucial for raising children with the right values,” she affirmed.
Also the zonal chairman of PENGASSAN, Kaduna Zone, Comrade Sanusi Dauda, represented by Comrade Kola Atipo, talked about the support for women and the girl child.
Other guests present at the event were Omobolanle Bello, Branch Chairperson of NUPRC, Omobolanle and PENGASSAN PWC member from all branches.
The principal of the school, Umar Abdulkadir, represented by the Vice Principal (Admin) Hajia Ramatu Yusuf, while the Vice Principal (Academics), Alabi Sumaila, called out the overall students for their gifts.
The event was part of PENGASSAN Women commission outreach in Kaduna Zone, aimed to inspire girls to dream big and recognize the importance of education and self-empowerment for success.
There were also health talks on cancer of the breast, child rights and drug abuse, among others.
The PENGASSAN PWC, Kaduna Zone donated sanitary towels to firm support for the girls for hygiene and ease of availability. Educational materials were also presented as gifts to the overall best students in each set in the GSS Karomanjiji School, Abuja.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was on hand to guide the young girls and boys against the dangers and negative consequences of drug abuse.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) was also represented to exposed the girls to the issues around their rights, including the Girl Child Right.
