Odita Sunday 
Lagos Police, Stakeholders Push to End Child Marriage, Protect Girls’ Rights
By Odita Sunday
The Lagos State Police Command has called for stronger protection of girls against child marriage, abuse and exploitation, stressing the need to guarantee their access to education, healthcare, safety and opportunities to thrive.
The call was made during the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child commemoration organised by the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), Lagos State, in partnership with Molped Sanitary Pad.
The event, held on Wednesday, October 21, at the POWA Secretariat, Oduduwa Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, brought together students from more than 60 public and private schools, alongside government representatives, education and health professionals, security personnel, corporate organisations and development partners. This was disclosed in a statement issued on October 24 by SP ABIMBOLA ADEBISI, anipr, mipra, mnisma, Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, Ikeja.
Held under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” with the sub-theme “Empowered Girls, Brighter Future,” the programme focused on the need for families, institutions and communities to work together to protect girls and support their development.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, DCP Adesina Lawal, psc, said girls must be protected from harmful practices and given the support they need to reach their full potential.
His address highlighted the importance of education, healthcare, personal safety and leadership opportunities in helping girls build secure and productive futures.
Among those present 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 participants included 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; and Chaplain Mercy James Obatumibi, President World Humanitarian Organisations for Peace and Equity.
A key moment at the event was a declaration by participating girls affirming their commitment to advancing girls’ rights and empowerment.
The commemoration also highlighted the need for sustained cooperation among parents, schools, government institutions and community organisations to ensure that girls are protected from abuse, exploitation, child marriage and other harmful practices.
The Lagos State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders through preventive advocacy and community engagement initiatives aimed at protecting children and promoting their wellbeing.
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